Intelligence-based operation ends with the death of wanted TTP commander
A wanted militant linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed during an intelligence-based operation carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Dera Ismail Khan.
According to the CTD, the militant was identified as Khalid, also known as Commander. He was wanted in several terrorism cases, including the targeted killing of CTD Constable Mohammad Ali, who was martyred on March 17, 2025.
Officials said the CTD’s technical team received confirmed intelligence that Khalid was hiding in the Korai area within the limits of Shorkot police station. Acting on the information, a CTD Special Weapons and Tactics team launched an early morning operation on the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road.
The CTD said security personnel surrounded the militant and repeatedly asked him to surrender. They also tried to arrest him peacefully. However, Khalid opened indiscriminate fire on the team, forcing the officers to return fire. He was killed during the exchange.
Also Read: 24 militants killed in major security operation in Bannu
According to the department, Khalid was a member of the banned TTP’s Zakir Kochi Karwan group. Officials said he had managed to avoid arrest for a long time by hiding his identity, changing his appearance and frequently moving from one place to another.
During the operation, CTD recovered a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a smartphone from the militant’s possession. The recovered items have been taken into custody for forensic examination.
The CTD also said investigations are continuing to identify and take legal action against those who helped the militant, including his facilitators, financiers and members of his support network.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a rise in terrorist violence over the past year. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies’ Annual Security Report 2025, the number of deaths in the province increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, an increase of 711 fatalities and nearly 44 percent compared to the previous year.
