PESHAWAR: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials have confirmed that nine militants were killed and 21 suspects arrested during intelligence-based operations conducted in Karak and Khyber districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a statement issued by the Central Police Office (CPO), the operations were linked to investigations into major terrorism-related cases, including the attack on Jamia Haqqania and the alleged planning of a suicide attack targeting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Police officials stated that significant progress had been made during the investigations, leading to the identification and dismantling of militant networks operating in the region.
The CPO said that among the 21 arrested suspects were several Afghan nationals allegedly connected to militant activities.
Intelligence-Based Operations
The operations were carried out by the CTD based on intelligence reports regarding the presence and movement of militants in different areas of Karak and Khyber.
Officials said the raids targeted suspected hideouts and sleeper cells believed to be involved in facilitating terrorism-related activities.
During the operations, security personnel reportedly engaged in exchanges of fire with militants, resulting in the deaths of nine suspected terrorists.
Authorities described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle extremist networks and prevent future attacks in the province.
Terror Financing Network Exposed
According to the Central Police Office, investigators uncovered important information regarding militant financing systems, operational methods, and target selection strategies during the course of the investigations.
Police officials revealed that evidence had been found indicating the use of cryptocurrency for funding terrorist activities.
The investigations also exposed financial channels, safe havens, logistical support systems, and methods allegedly used by militant groups to coordinate attacks.
Officials stated that tracing digital financial transactions has become increasingly important in counterterrorism operations due to the growing use of modern technologies by extremist networks.
Sleeper Cells and Foreign Networks Identified
The CPO further stated that investigators had identified sleeper cells linked to banned organizations as well as networks involving foreign militants operating in different parts of the province.
According to officials, organized networks associated with “Khawarij” were found to be involved in several terrorism incidents.
Authorities also highlighted the challenges faced during terrorism investigations, particularly cross-border connections and difficult geographical terrain near border areas.
Security agencies have repeatedly emphasized that militants often take advantage of remote mountainous regions and porous border routes to evade law enforcement operations.
No Claims of Responsibility in Major Attacks
Police officials noted that several major terrorist incidents in recent years, including the Police Lines suicide bombing and the Jamia Haqqania blast, were never officially claimed by any militant organization.
The CPO added that in some cases, claims made by banned outfits later proved to be misleading or false during investigations.
Officials suggested that some groups may intentionally issue misleading statements to create confusion among investigators and the public.
Counterterrorism Efforts Continue
The latest operations are part of broader counterterrorism efforts being carried out across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid concerns over renewed militant activity in certain districts.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence-based operations in recent months to target extremist hideouts, disrupt financing mechanisms, and prevent planned attacks.
Authorities maintain that coordination between police, CTD, and intelligence agencies remains essential in combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.
The government has repeatedly stated that operations against militant groups will continue until all terrorist networks are dismantled and peace is fully restored in affected areas.
