PESHAWAR: Security forces killed nine militants, including two key commanders, in separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said.
Five militants linked to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were killed during a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operation near Shamshatoo Camp in Peshawar district, according to CTD officials.
The militants were planning attacks on sensitive installations, Imambargahs and churches, officials said.
Among those killed was key ISKP commander Imran, alias Abu Bakr. Authorities had placed a Rs12 million bounty on his capture.
Officials said Imran was wanted in 20 terrorism-related cases. These included alleged involvement in the 2026 Tarlai Imambargah suicide attack in Islamabad and the 2023 JUI-F Workers’ Convention suicide bombing in Bajaur.
The CTD said its personnel recovered an SMG, hand grenades, an improvised explosive device (IED) and other weapons from the militants.
Officials said the recovered weapons and explosives indicated that the group was preparing for further attacks.
Meanwhile, security forces killed four militants in an intelligence-based operation in Kurram district on September 8.
Security sources identified one of those killed as Afghan national Obaidullah Saad, a resident of Afghanistan’s Logar province.
Saad was allegedly affiliated with the banned Fitna al-Khawarij group. Officials said he was involved in several terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
Three of his associates were also killed in the operation, according to security sources.
The two operations highlight the continued pressure on militant networks operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces and counterterrorism authorities have stepped up intelligence-led operations against armed groups.
Officials said further investigations were underway to determine the militants’ networks, planned targets and possible links to other attacks.
