In a significant counter-terrorism operation carried out in the Shagayi area of Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces successfully neutralized six terrorists after they opened fire on a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) team. The incident unfolded when the terrorists, upon spotting the police unit, initiated an aggressive attack, prompting a swift and sustained response from the CTD personnel. The ensuing exchange of gunfire lasted approximately 40 minutes, culminating in the deaths of all six militants involved.
Following the intense firefight, the CTD launched a thorough search operation in the vicinity, uncovering the bodies of the terrorists. Efforts to confirm the identities of those killed are currently underway, as authorities work to piece together their affiliations and backgrounds. The police also recovered a substantial cache of weaponry and explosives from the site, including four Kalashnikov rifles, two pistols, eight hand grenades, and an improvised explosive device (IED), highlighting the militants’ preparedness for further attacks.
The operation received commendations from senior police officials, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed and the additional inspector general of the CTD praising the bravery and professionalism of the security forces involved. IGP Hameed emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to pursuing terrorists relentlessly, vowing to dismantle their networks and bring perpetrators to justice. He further assured that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain, reaffirming the resolve to defeat all enemies threatening peace and stability in the region.
This incident comes amid a surge in cross-border militant activities following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which share long and porous borders with Afghanistan, have witnessed increased infiltration attempts and terrorist attacks. In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” a comprehensive military campaign targeting Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated groups operating along the border and within Afghan territory.
Since the launch of this operation, Pakistani forces have reportedly killed over 650 Afghan Taliban militants, with more than 855 injured. The campaign has also resulted in the destruction of 243 militant checkposts and the capture of 42 fighters. Additionally, Pakistani forces have neutralized 219 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery pieces used by these groups. These efforts underscore Islamabad’s determination to curb the threat posed by militants exploiting the border region as a safe haven.
Prior to this, Pakistan conducted targeted airstrikes against terrorist camps belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces of Afghanistan. These strikes reportedly eliminated over 80 militants and were a direct response to recent suicide attacks within Pakistan. The ongoing military actions reflect the heightened security challenges faced by Pakistan in the wake of evolving militant dynamics in the region.
It is important to recall that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated in October 2025 when border clashes erupted after unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban and allied militants on Pakistani border posts. These confrontations resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters, while 23 Pakistani soldiers sacrificed their lives defending the nation’s frontiers. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic talks, efforts to reach a lasting agreement have faltered, largely due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s reluctance to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from their soil.
As the security situation remains fragile, Pakistan continues to prioritize counter-terrorism operations and border security enhancements to safeguard its citizens and maintain regional stability. The recent success in Lakki Marwat serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the resilience of Pakistani security forces in confronting militancy head-on.
