In a major blow to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), three wanted militants were killed in an intelligence-based joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Swat police in Barikot tehsil on Friday. According to CTD officials, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence about the presence of high-value targets in the area.
The slain terrorists were identified as Ajmal alias Waqas, Matiullah alias Junaid, and Rahimullah Rehmani alias Rohullah. Ajmal, a resident of Malook Abad, was reportedly involved in nine terrorism-related cases, including the assassination of Village Defence Council members, and carried a bounty of Rs2 million. Matiullah hailed from Shangla and was linked to at least two cases of terrorism. Rahimullah, originally from Nuristan, Afghanistan, was accused of facilitating militants and targeting law enforcement personnel.
The CTD stated that all three were part of a network responsible for attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), extortion, and the killing of police officers and informants. The network was reportedly receiving external funding and posed a persistent threat to regional peace.
Malakand Regional Police Officer Sher Akbar Khan said the operation dealt a significant blow to the TTP’s operational wings in Swat and adjacent areas. Swat District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan added that search and strike operations would continue across the district, with security tightened at all entry and exit points to prevent infiltration.
The operation comes amid a broader uptick in counter-terror efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following a resurgence in militant attacks. In 2024, the CTD recorded 670 terror incidents, resulting in 212 militant deaths. Despite a slight dip in attacks in June, Pakistan’s security forces remain on high alert.