Six Highly‑Targeted Terrorists Neutralised in Lower Dir Counter‑Terrorism Operation

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter‑Terrorism Department (CTD) and Lower Dir police eliminated six suspected terrorists during an operation in the district’s hilly terrain on Wednesday, the department confirmed.

According to the CTD statement, the militants were “most‑wanted terrorists” implicated in a recent assault on the Badwan Bridge checkpost, during which Constable Mohammad Ismail lost his life.

The CTD and district police had cordoned off the area following the attack. Intelligence indicated that a group of “Fitna‑al‑Khawarij” terrorists—equivalent to Tehreek‑i‑Taliban Pakistan—were present in the hills, and the forces attempted to arrest them when they emerged from concealment.

“The insurgents opened indiscriminate fire on police units, prompting a retaliatory response,” the statement read. The engagement lasted a considerable time, ultimately resulting in the deaths of the six attackers.

Armed with Kalashnikov rifles, hand grenades, and ammunition, the militants were found dead during the subsequent search. Law‑enforcement officials are continuing the operation to apprehend any remaining accomplices who fled the scene.

KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the district police and CTD for their professionalism, affirming that such operations will persist “until terrorism is eradicated from the province” and that the rule of law will prevail.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the CTD and police for the “successful operation,” highlighting their expertise in eliminating the threats.

A recent assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies noted a sharp deterioration in Pakistan’s security landscape in May 2026, largely due to heightened terrorist activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The report recorded 128 attacks in May, up from 101 in April—a 27% increase—overturning the previous downward trend.

With continued militant operations targeting security personnel and law enforcement, the state has intensified counter‑terrorism efforts. Earlier this month, an alleged terrorist commander was killed in Bannu district, and the military reported the neutralisation of 27 terrorists in the Miranshah region of North Waziristan within a 72‑hour period.

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