ISLAMABAD: Security forces have successfully eliminated ten terrorists,including a high-profile commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan(TTP), during an intelligence-based operation conducted in the Kulachi areaof Dera Ismail Khan district on November 16.
According to official statements, the operation targeted a hideout of theproscribed TTP, resulting in the death of Commander Aalam Mehsud, anotorious figure linked to multiple attacks on security personnel andcivilians. Among the slain militants were four foreign nationals believedto originate from Afghanistan, highlighting the persistent challenge ofcross-border militancy.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that troopseffectively engaged the terrorists’ location after receiving credibleintelligence about their presence. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives wererecovered from the site, underscoring the group’s preparedness for furtherassaults. Sanitisation operations are ongoing to ensure no remnants of thecell remain active in the vicinity.
This decisive action comes amid a surge in terrorist activities in KhyberPakhtunkhwa, where the TTP has intensified its campaign following thebreakdown of previous ceasefires. The involvement of Afghan nationals amongthe eliminated militants reinforces Pakistan’s longstanding concernsregarding safe havens across the border, which Islamabad has repeatedlyurged Kabul to dismantle.
Analysts view the elimination of Commander Aalam Mehsud as a significantblow to the TTP’s operational structure in the northwest, potentiallydisrupting planned attacks during the winter months when militant mobilityis often restricted. However, the persistence of foreign fighters indicatesthat external support networks continue to fuel insurgency, complicatingefforts under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
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While such operations demonstrate the resolve and capability of Pakistan’ssecurity apparatus, they also underscore the need for enhanced regionalcooperation to address the root causes of terrorism. The government hasreiterated its commitment to eradicating the menace, emphasising that noquarter will be given to those threatening national sovereignty.
The successful raid not only averts immediate threats but also boostsmorale among forces engaged in counter-terrorism efforts, amid calls forsustained intelligence sharing and diplomatic pressure on neighbouringstates.
Source: www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php”>https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php (Inter-ServicesPublic Relations official website)Source: www.dawn.com/news/pakistan”>https://www.dawn.com/news/pakistan (DAWN Newspaper archives onsecurity operations)