November 15, 2025

KOHAT: Four terrorists were killed in two separate Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operations in Kohat and Karak districts, officials confirmed on Friday, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to grapple with a surge in militant activity originating from cross-border sanctuaries.

According to security officials, three militants — Muhammad Qasim, Shahid and Sahir alias Pata — were shot dead late Thursday night in Bazid Khel village of Darra Adam Khel. All were affiliated with the Saad alias Shah Gul group and were wanted in multiple attacks on police, including the killing of Constable Younis on Sept 17. Sahir was also linked to the Oct 6 attack on the Tor Chappar check post that claimed the life of Constable Bahadar.

District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi said the SHO of Muhammad Riaz Shaheed police station was on routine patrol when unidentified gunmen opened fire at around 1:22am. Police returned fire, triggering a fierce gun battle that ended with the killing of the three militants. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene.

In a separate operation the same night, the CTD killed another militant in Karak’s Banda Daud Shah area. District police spokesman Shaukatullah said CTD personnel encountered a group of terrorists in the mountainous belt, leading to an intense exchange of fire with militants using both light and heavy weapons. The body of a terrorist identified as Suleman alias Akram, a Kohat resident wanted in several terrorism cases including attacks on SNGPL installations, was later recovered.

Growing Security Concerns Linked to Afghan-Based Networks

Security officials say these operations reflect a rising trend of attacks linked to militant factions operating from Afghan soil. Over recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused groups based in eastern Afghanistan of planning and directing assaults inside KP, particularly in the southern districts. Law enforcement sources warn that improved coordination, weapons supply and tactical support from across the border have emboldened militant cells, contributing to the uptick in targeted attacks on police and critical infrastructure.

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Civilian Casualties in Tirah

Meanwhile, violence continued in the Tirah valley where an eight-year-old girl was killed on Wednesday night after a mortar shell struck a house in Bar Qambarkhel. In another incident, eight people were injured when an explosive device dropped from a quadcopter hit a wedding ceremony in Shalobar. The injured were shifted to Mishti hospital and later referred to Peshawar.

Separately, unidentified gunmen abducted an engineer and two dam workers from the Mamanrry dam area in Bara. No group has yet claimed responsibility.

In Landi Kotal, a man was injured in an accidental firearm discharge. His condition is stable, hospital officials said.