KARAK: Four suspected militants were killed during a joint Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) conducted by Karak and Kohat police in the Khattak Dam area along the Karak-Kohat border early Friday morning.
According to police, the operation was launched at approximately 5:00 a.m. on July 10, 2026. During the operation, the militants opened fire on the police party, prompting a strong retaliatory response. After an intense exchange of gunfire, four militants belonging to the Commander Zahid Group were killed.
Police said the group was allegedly involved in several attacks on law enforcement personnel, including the killings of SHO Banda Daud Shah Umar Nawaz (Karak) and Inspector Tahir Nawaz (Kohat) in 2025, as well as DSP Asad Mahmood and Sub-Inspector Anar Gul in 2026, along with other police officers and personnel.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to ensure no militants remain in the vicinity. Authorities are also working to confirm the identities of the deceased militants and compile details of their criminal records.
Upon receiving information about the operation, District Police Officer (DPO) Karak and SP Saddar Kohat Ehsan Shah reached the scene and are personally supervising the ongoing search operation.
Karak Police reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism and maintaining lasting peace in the region, stating that operations against anti-state and criminal elements will continue with full determination.
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