Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out intelligence-based operations in Khyber and Karak districts, resulting in the killing of 21 militants and the arrest of nine others, according to police officials.
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The Central Police Office (CPO) said that the operations were conducted as part of ongoing investigations into major terrorism cases, including the Saddar Police Lines attack and the planning of an attempted assassination targeting political leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Authorities stated that among those arrested were foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens. Officials added that significant progress had been made in identifying networks linked to terrorism financing, safe houses and target selection patterns used by militant groups.
According to police, investigations also uncovered evidence suggesting the use of cryptocurrency channels for funding terrorist activities. Security agencies said this marked an emerging trend in militant financing methods requiring closer monitoring.
The CPO further stated that sleeper cells linked to banned organisations and foreign militant networks had been identified during the operations. Officials described the structure of these groups as highly organised and transnational, complicating counterterrorism efforts due to cross-border linkages and difficult terrain.
Authorities also noted that investigations into several major attacks, including the Police Lines suicide bombing and the attack on the religious seminary Darul Uloom Haqqania, have not resulted in clear claims of responsibility. Officials said that some claims made by banned outfits in past incidents were found to be misleading or false.
Security officials described the operations as part of broader efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure and disrupt funding and operational networks. They added that further investigations are ongoing to track remaining suspects and associated facilitators.
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Law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations across the region in recent months amid rising security concerns and ongoing counterterrorism challenges.