PESHAWAR: Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two months, killing several suspected militants, dismantling their hideouts and recovering weapons and ammunition, according to security sources.
The latest operations were conducted under “Operation 11 Thunder” during which multiple suspected militants were killed and their hideouts destroyed in different parts of the province. Security forces also arrested a number of alleged facilitators and seized arms and ammunition during the raids.
According to security sources, one of the major operations targeted suspected militant hideouts in the Shakro area of Bajaur district. Initial reports indicated that several militants were killed and others sustained injuries during the operation.
Security personnel also located and destroyed a number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), reducing the risk of future attacks in the area. Ground troops, supported by quadcopter surveillance, were deployed during the operations to identify and engage suspected militant positions.
The latest operations come days after security forces and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed the alleged mastermind of the July 29 attack on the Khazina Banda police check post in Hangu during a joint operation. Authorities had identified the slain suspect as the alleged planner of the attack, which claimed the lives of 10 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and left 28 others injured.
Security officials said intelligence-based operations would continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to eliminate militant networks, destroy their infrastructure and prevent further attacks on security forces and civilians.
