ISLAMABAD: Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Tor Chappar area of Dara Adam Khel, Kohat district, resulting in the killing of six terrorists affiliated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Tariq Geedar Group.
The operation was launched on specific intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants from the Fatah al-Khawarij, also known as the Tariq Geedar Group.
An intense exchange of fire took place during the raid. All six militants were neutralized on the spot.
Among those killed were Daud, Hamza, Zeenatullah, and Lawangeen, an Afghan citizen. Official sources confirmed the identities.
Dara Adam Khel, located in the Kohat division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has historically served as a hub for militant activity due to its strategic terrain and proximity to key communication routes including the Kohat Tunnel.
The Tariq Geedar Group, a splinter faction of TTP formed in 2007 in Dara Adam Khel, has been involved in multiple attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It remains listed under international sanctions for its links to TTP and other banned outfits.
Clearance and search operations are continuing in the area to eliminate any remaining threats and recover weapons or explosives. No casualties were reported among security personnel.
This latest action comes amid heightened counter-terrorism efforts in the region. In 2025, TTP and affiliated groups conducted around 700 attacks against security forces in the first 11 months of the year, according to conflict monitoring data.
Pakistan’s security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in response to the resurgence in militancy following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
The operation underscores ongoing challenges in neutralizing cross-border militant networks. Afghan nationals have been identified in several recent TTP-linked incidents in Pakistan.
Local residents reported improved security measures following the operation, with traffic movement resuming under heavy deployment.
Military sources described the action as part of broader efforts to maintain pressure on residual terrorist cells operating in merged tribal districts.
Analysts note that Dara Adam Khel’s geography provides militants with natural cover but also allows security forces to conduct targeted actions based on human and technical intelligence.
The successful neutralization of these militants is expected to disrupt local facilitation networks that have supported cross-border movement and logistics for TTP factions.
Further interrogation of available intelligence is underway to map potential linkages and prevent retaliatory attempts.
Security officials have appealed to local tribes for continued cooperation in identifying suspicious movements in the region.
The development reflects Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism regardless of origin, with particular focus on foreign elements exploiting border regions.
Future operations in the area are likely to continue until complete clearance is achieved and normalcy is fully restored.