Counter Terrorism Operation in Sarai Naurang Results in the Death of Two Suspected Militants
Counter Terrorism Operation is covered in the report below.
PESHAWAR: A joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police in Sarai Naurang culminated in the deaths of two suspected militants late Wednesday. This decisive acti
PESHAWAR: A joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police in Sarai Naurang culminated in the deaths of two suspected militants late Wednesday. This decisive action came after an extended surveillance of the suspects, believed to be connected to past attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Counter Terrorism Operation: Details of the Operation
Officials from the CTD in Bannu and Lakki Marwat reported that the two suspects had been under observation since early evening based on intelligence suggesting they were moving within the Nali Chak Road area, potentially planning an attack. Upon arrival at the designated location, law enforcement teams found that the suspects had already shifted positions, leading to a swift escalation of hostilities.
Gunfire erupted almost immediately, resulting in a brief but intense exchange that left both suspects dead. One officer indicated that the individuals had been on the CTD's radar for months.
Identification of the Suspects
The first suspect, identified as Azmatullah, was implicated in several cases related to attacks on police and security forces, including the murders of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gul Muhammad, Constable Naseem Gul, and Lieutenant Arifullah. The second suspect, Mohammad Sohail, was previously accused in the killings of Constable Mansoor Khan and LHC Hashim Khan. Following the operation, authorities confirmed that the bodies have been sent for identification, and further investigations are underway to ascertain whether the suspects were affiliated with a larger operational cell in the area.
Broader Counterterrorism Efforts
In related news, security forces have recently neutralized four terrorists linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij between November 17 and 18, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). These operations, part of an ongoing counterterrorism initiative, included intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) which resulted in one militant's death and the neutralization of additional suspects in Spinwam and Zakir Khel in North Waziristan.
Simultaneously, a separate engagement in Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the elimination of another terrorist. The military's media wing reported the recovery of weapons and ammunition during these operations, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The army reaffirms its commitment to an ongoing counterterrorism campaign, collaborating closely with law enforcement under the strategic vision of "Azm-e-Istehkam" to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
Context of Rising Terrorism
Pakistan has experienced a notable increase in cross-border terrorist activities since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021, with KP and Balochistan being the most affected provinces. A police report indicated that KP recorded over 600 terrorist incidents in 2025 alone, resulting in the deaths of at least 79 police personnel and 138 civilians within the first eight months.
In light of these challenges, Pakistani authorities have consistently urged the Afghan Taliban to adhere to the 2020 Doha Agreement, which includes a commitment to preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against any country.
