In a significant breakthrough, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has announced the successful neutralization of eight terrorists allegedly involved in targeting Customs officials in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The operation, which took place on Monday in the KP district, resulted in the demise of one of the most-wanted terrorists, identified as Jahanzaib, among others, as per a statement issued by the CTD.
The slain terrorists, according to the CTD, were not only implicated in attacks on Customs officials but also in extortion, assaults on security forces, and targeted killings. It was revealed that these militants had been harboring intentions to wreak havoc in the district, prompting the security forces to take swift action.
“The escape routes of the terrorists were blocked,” stated the CTD, underscoring the apprehension of potential facilitators within the local populace. The agency vowed to pursue strict measures against any individuals found aiding or abetting terrorist activities.
The recent operation comes in the wake of escalating violence in the region, with last weekend witnessing a tragic attack near York Toll Plaza in DI Khan, claiming the lives of two Customs officials and injuring four others. This incident followed closely on the heels of another assault on April 18, during which six individuals, including five Customs officials, fell victim to a firing incident on the Sago Road in Daraban tehsil of the district.
According to statistics released by the Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs KP, areas such as Peshawar, Khyber, Bajaur, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan have been disproportionately affected by terrorism. The data highlights KP and Balochistan provinces as the epicenters of such violence, collectively accounting for over 92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks nationwide, including acts of terrorism and security operations.
In the first quarter of 2024, KP bore the brunt of 51% of all fatalities, with Balochistan following closely behind at 41%. The findings underscore a concerning trend of heightened insecurity in these regions, juxtaposed against relatively peaceful conditions prevailing elsewhere in the country.
The successful operation by the CTD marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace in the volatile region of Dera Ismail Khan, underscoring the unwavering commitment of security forces to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
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