ISPR: Intelligence-Led Operation Kills Terrorist Ringleader In Khyber

In Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a militant ringleader met his demise during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on Sunday, as reported by the military’s media affairs wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The ISPR press release outlined that the IBO targeted the presence of a “high-profile terrorist.” The operation, marked by intense gunfire, resulted in the elimination of the high-value terrorist ringleader Surat Gul, also known as Saifullah, associated with Daesh.

Read more: Balochistan Bans Political Events Due To Terror Threats

The terrorist commander, Surat Gul, was actively engaged in various terrorist activities, including the targeted killing of innocent civilians, extortion, and was a highly sought individual by law enforcement agencies. The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the deceased terrorist.

Following the successful mission, a sanitization operation is underway to eliminate any other terrorists in the area. The local population in the region has reportedly appreciated the operation and expressed full support for eradicating the menace of terrorism.

This incident follows a similar occurrence in North Waziristan last week, where an IBO resulted in the killing of two militants, including a senior commander. Additionally, on February 5, a pre-dawn attack on a police station in Dera Ismail Khan by dozens of militants led to the martyrdom of 10 police officials and injuries to six others. This escalation in violence occurred just before the general elections.

Earlier, on February 2, the ISPR reported the killing of 24 terrorists during firefights and clearance operations in Mach and Kolpur towns of Balochistan over three days. The coordinated attacks by terrorists involved the use of rockets and sophisticated weapons in Mach, targeting a hotel and six shops in the Kolpur area, setting them ablaze.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist activities over the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This uptick followed the termination of the ceasefire between the government and the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.

According to a security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, marking a record six-year high. The majority of these incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, constituting over 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks, including terrorism and security forces operations.