Six suspected terrorists were killed during a joint operation conducted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Lower Dir Police in the district’s mountainous region on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
Authorities said the slain suspects were among the most-wanted militants and were allegedly involved in the recent attack on the Badwan Bridge checkpost, where Constable Mohammad Ismail was martyred.
Intelligence-Based Operation
According to the CTD, security forces had cordoned off the area following the Badwan Bridge attack. Acting on intelligence reports regarding the presence of a group of militants hiding in the hills of Lower Dir, law enforcement personnel launched an operation to apprehend them.
The statement said the suspects opened indiscriminate fire when police attempted to arrest them, prompting security personnel to respond.
After an extended exchange of gunfire, six suspected terrorists were killed during a subsequent search operation.
Weapons Recovered
The CTD stated that the deceased militants were wanted in multiple terrorism-related cases.
Security forces recovered the following weapons from the scene:
- Six Kalashnikov rifles
- Three hand grenades
- A large quantity of ammunition
A search operation remains underway to locate and arrest other suspected accomplices who reportedly escaped during the encounter.
Officials Praise Security Forces
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD and district police for the successful operation.
He reiterated that counter-terrorism operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated from the province and the state’s writ is fully restored.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the operation, praising the professionalism of CTD and police personnel in neutralising the suspected militants.
Security Challenges Continue
The operation comes amid a worsening security situation in Pakistan.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country recorded 128 terrorist attacks in May 2026, compared to 101 attacks in April, representing a 27% increase.
The report noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the regions most affected by militant violence, with security personnel frequently targeted.
In recent weeks, Pakistani security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across the country. Earlier this month, an alleged militant commander was killed in Bannu, while security forces reportedly eliminated 27 suspected terrorists during operations in North Waziristan over a 72-hour period.
Note
The information above is based on statements issued by Pakistani authorities. Independent verification of operational details and the identities of those killed may not yet be available.
