In a significant counterterrorism success, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday neutralized three militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in Barikot, Swat.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the presence of wanted terrorists in the area. The slain militants were identified as Ajmal alias Waqas, Mutiullah alias Junaid, and Rahimullah.
Ajmal, a high-profile militant, was wanted in nine terrorism-related cases involving murder, extortion, and attacks on law enforcement. The government had placed a bounty of Rs2 million on his capture.
Mutiullah and Rahimullah were each wanted in two terrorism cases and were allegedly involved in targeted killings and providing support to militant networks. All three suspects were linked to attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and assaults on police posts and infrastructure.
The CTD emphasized that the operation is part of its continued efforts to dismantle terror networks in the region.
Meanwhile, a recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) noted a slight decline in militant activity across the country in June. The think tank recorded 78 attacks, resulting in at least 100 fatalities including 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two local peace committee members.
In total, 189 individuals were injured, with security forces accounting for 126 of those wounded. The report highlighted an 8% decrease in attacks and a 12% decline in fatalities compared to May, though injuries saw a slight uptick.
Despite the overall drop, the security situation remains volatile, underscoring the importance of sustained counterterrorism effort.
