Intelligence Operation Targets Suspected Militant Commander
Security forces have reportedly killed the alleged mastermind behind the deadly Khazina Banda police checkpost attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district.
The suspect was identified as Muawiyah. Security sources described him as a senior militant commander involved in several attacks across the region.
The operation was conducted in the Chhapri Naryab area of Hangu. It formed part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to security sources quoted by 24NewsHD, Muawiyah held an important position within a banned militant network operating in the Kurram region.
He allegedly assumed greater responsibility after the death of another militant commander identified as Kazim.
The authorities had reportedly been searching for Muawiyah because of his alleged involvement in the Khazina Banda attack and other militant activities.
No detailed information was immediately released about the exact timing of the operation or the number of security personnel involved.
Authorities also did not disclose whether any security personnel were injured during the exchange.
The reported death of Muawiyah has not yet been independently confirmed through a detailed public statement from the military’s media wing.
Khazina Banda Attack Caused Heavy Police Losses
The Khazina Banda police checkpost was attacked in Hangu district on July 29.
Militants reportedly used heavy weapons during the assault. Reinforcements travelling towards the checkpost were also ambushed.
An armoured police vehicle was damaged during the attack.
Police officers fought the attackers during a prolonged exchange of fire. At least nine officers, including senior police officer Diyar Khan, were initially reported killed.
More than two dozen police personnel were injured.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police said 15 attackers were killed during the response. Later reports placed the police death toll at 11.
No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the checkpost attack.
However, officials suspected militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban, which has increased attacks against police and security forces in the region.
The assault became one of the deadliest recent attacks against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack.
The prime minister praised the police response and said the government remained committed to eliminating terrorism in all forms.
Provincial officials also promised support for the families of the officers killed and treatment for those injured.
Additional Militants Reportedly Killed in Bajaur
Security forces also conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Shakro area of Bajaur.
According to security sources, militant hideouts were targeted during the operation.
Several militants were reportedly killed, while others sustained injuries.
Officials did not immediately announce a confirmed casualty figure.
Security personnel also destroyed improvised explosive devices allegedly prepared for attacks against forces and civilians.
Ground teams were supported by aerial surveillance using quadcopters.
The operation was aimed at locating militant positions and restricting their movement near populated areas.
Security sources said sustained pressure was forcing armed groups to leave locations close to local communities.
The use of drones and intelligence-led ground operations reflects an increased focus on identifying hideouts before militants can carry out attacks.
Authorities said operations would continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until militant networks were dismantled and lasting peace was restored.
Pakistan has experienced a renewed increase in militant violence in recent years.
Police posts, military positions and government personnel have frequently been targeted in districts near the Afghan border.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing Pakistani militants to operate from Afghan territory.
Kabul has denied those allegations.
The latest operations show that Hangu, Bajaur, Kurram and other areas remain central to Pakistan’s continuing counterterrorism campaign.
Security officials say intelligence-led operations will continue against commanders, facilitators and explosive networks operating in the province.
