PESHAWAR: The brief but intense security engagement in the Hoattabad area has raised fresh questions after authorities recovered a body along with items including, 1 x SMG, 1 x Mag, power bank, smart phone, two dumb phone, one wallet, and a cash of Rs 6,670/-, 2x salt packs, ATM Card, and one Irani Sim Card Jacket, pendant ex Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) beeds that investigators describe as “unusual and highly significant.
The officials remain cautious, early findings suggest the incident may have wider implications than initially believed.
In such a case, the engagement took place on January 24, 2026, when a security team encountered suspected militants near a nullah in the Hoattabad sector.
The sources familiar with the operation said two armed individuals were spotted moving through the area under suspicious circumstances, prompting a swift response by the security personnel on duty.
In this case, a technical issue reportedly affected the weapon of the security team, creating a brief window during which one of the suspects managed to flee the scene on a motorcycle. The second individual, however, was neutralized during the encounter.
So far, a specialized response team reached the location to secure the area and collect evidence. At the site, authorities recovered the body of a suspected militant along with multiple personal and tactical items.
The recovered materials were communication devices, cash, identification-related documents, and everyday supplies such as water and salt packs. What has particularly drawn the attention of investigators are certain symbols and articles found on the deceased.
The sources indicate that the clothing and accessories recovered include elements linked to banned outfits operating in the region. The security officials have emphasized that the identification process of the deceased suspect is still underway.
This incident may appear limited in scale, officials suggest it could be part of a broader pattern that is still unfolding. More details are expected to emerge as investigations progress and as authorities analyze the materials recovered from the scene.
