PESHAWAR/SOUTH WAZIRI­STAN: Security forces have gunned down a high-profile militant associated with the globally proscribed terrorist organisation Daesh during a targeted operation in the Khyber district, the military said on Sunday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the operation was based on intelligence about the location of the militant, Surat Gul, also known as Saif Ullah. Gul was eliminated following an intense exchange of fire between security forces and the militants.

A security official said that Gul was the ringleader of a group behind attacks on Sikhs and other minorities in Peshawar.

“While others were killed and captured, this one [Gull] had escaped and was trying to regroup ahead of the coming summers,” the official said, adding that two other militants managed to escape, but Gul was “neutralised”.

The security official said Gul’s killing would have a salutary effect on security in the provincial capital for some time.

One dead in bomb attack targeting PTI-backed candidate in S. Waziristan

The ISPR said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the “killed terrorist commander, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities including target killing of innocent civilians as well as extortion and was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies”.

“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” it added.

One killed in S. Waziristan explosion

Meanwhile, one person was killed, and three others were injured when a bomb went off targeting the vehicle of a PTI-backed election candidate, Zubair Wazir, in the South Waziristan district on Saturday night.

Officials said the bomb exploded outside Mr Wazir’s home when a musical programme was underway to celebrate his victory in the Feb 8 general elections.

No individual or group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, the death toll from a firing incident involving National Democratic Movement (NDM) workers and police officials reached three after an injured person succumbed to his wounds.

On Saturday, two NDM workers were killed and 15 others, including party chairman Mohsin Dawar, injured when police allegedly opened fire on a protest in Miramshah Cantonment. The protest was being held outside the returning officer’s office over delayed election results in the National Assembly constituency NA-40, where Mr Dawar was a candidate.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2024