KOHAT: At least six suspected militants were killed during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Kohat police in the rugged Lachi mountain range on Sunday.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat, Shahbaz Elahi, law enforcement agencies acted on credible intelligence suggesting that formations of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were present within the jurisdiction of the Lachi police station. The militants were reportedly planning a “major operation” in the region.
“Upon receiving the information, a heavy contingent of the CTD and local police launched a coordinated search and strike operation,” DPO Elahi told the media.
He added that as the security forces closed in on the hideout, the militants opened fire in an attempt to escape. The personnel retaliated, and in the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, six terrorists were neutralized. A cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the scene.
Following the shootout, the area was cordoned off as security forces initiated a follow-up search operation to ensure no other militants remained in the vicinity.
The Lachi tehsil, it may be added here, has emerged as a flashpoint for militant activity in recent months, witnessing several high-profile clashes. The Kohat police have paid a heavy price in these skirmishes; among the casualties are a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and several sub-inspectors who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement shortly after the operation, paying tribute to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the CTD for their “successful action against the Khawarij.”
“I salute the brave soldiers of the police and CTD for neutralizing six terrorists of Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” Naqvi stated. “The nation is proud of the professionalism shown by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of peace.”
The minister further noted that the proactive stance of the security forces was essential for maintaining stability in the province.
