KOHAT: Gunship helicopters pounded the hideouts of terrorists in Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai and border areas of lower Kurram district on Monday.

It was reported that the terrorists were seen running towards the forest to take shelter.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, regional police officer Abbas Majeed Marwat said that 200 personnel of army, Thall Scouts and police were taking part in the ground offensive in Kandao, Shnawarai, Zargari, Naryab and adjoining mountainous areas. He said that all bunkers established by the Shia and Sunni communities had been vacated.

He said an air offensive had been launched for the first time since the Kohat Peace Accord was inked on January 4, 2025, following the killing of innocent passengers travelling on the Kohat-Kurram Highway in November 2024.

Mr Marwat said during the last 10 days 15 hardened terrorists had been killed in Hangu, Karak, Orakzai and Kurram districts.

It may be recalled that two separate convoys of vehicles escorted by police were ambushed in November 2024, which ignited sectarian violence. At least 44 passengers were killed and 35 injured.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to recruit 650 police officials for protection of the Kurram highway.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2025