LAKKi MARWAT: The proscribed militant organization Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, has confirmed the killing of its commander Abuzar Bangash in a clash with security forces in Lakki Marwat.
In a statement issued by its media wing Sada-e-Haq Media under the banner of “Caravan of Ameer Mohtaram Shaheed Hakeemullah Mehsud,” the group said Abuzar Bangash was killed in a face-to-face encounter with security forces in Lakki Marwat district on Friday.
The statement further announced the appointment of Commander Abbas alias Yusuf as his successor, stating he was nominated with mutual consultation of the group’s associates.
Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had earlier identified the slain militant as Zahid Gul alias Mufti Abuzar Bangash, describing him as the mastermind of the September 18 suicide attack on the Old Kohat Police Lines.
CTD said Zahid Gul was killed in a joint intelligence-based operation conducted by CTD and security forces in the Wolai Sagai area of Bettani subdivision, Lakki Marwat.
According to CTD, the deceased was wanted in several terrorism cases and was affiliated with the Gul Bahadur Group.
