Clean-up operation: Hideouts of terrorists set on fire in Kohat’s hilly areas

KOHAT/ KHAR: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Kohat, in collaboration with the police, conducted a clean-up operation in the hilly region of Palosi Banda near the boundary with Karak district, following reports of the presence of terrorists there.

During the operation, officials said, the notorious terrorist commander, Kaleemullah, and his group -who have been involved in terrorist activities as well as bank robberies in Karak - were forced to flee, leaving behind their food supplies. The group has also been linked to various social and moral crimes in the region.

The security personnel set fire to the militants’ temporary hideouts, effectively destroying their bases. “he operation is ongoing as law enforcement agencies continue to pursue the fleeing terrorists,” said an official.

The CTD officials revealed that they had gathered intelligence on terrorist movements in advance and reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating militant hideouts and restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The police remain steadfast in their mission to uphold the state’s authority and counter all threats posed by terrorists,” said an official, adding, with high morale and strong determination, the brave officers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police were fully capable of neutralizing terrorists.

Meanwhile, a cop miraculously escaped a remote-controlled bomb blast in the Loi Sam area in Bajaur district.According to police sources, Constable Gohar was on his way home on a motorcycle when the explosion occurred in Zor Bandai. Fortunately, he survived without any injuries.

Constable Gohar’s father, the late Gul Shah Ali, was also a victim of terrorism and was martyred in a bomb blast several years ago.District Police Officer (DPO), Bajaur, Waqas Rafiq stated that an investigation into the incident has been launched.