PESHAWAR: Six suspected terrorists were killed in two encounters with the police’s counter-terrorism department (CTD) in Kohat and Charsadda districts late on Tuesday night.

The terrorists, according to an official statement issued by CTD, were killed during intelligence-based operations (IBO) carried out on a tip-off.

According to CTD officials, an IBO was carried out in Kohat as intelligence reports insisted that affiliates of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had been hatching a plot and had established a checkpoint on the Shakardara Road in an attempt to obstruct the movement of law-enforcement personnel.

The department formed a special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team that immediately went there but terrorists opened indiscriminate fire.

Houses of militant commander, associate razed in S. Waziristan

Three terrorists were killed following an intense exchange of firing with the SWAT team.

After the firing stopped, a search operation was launched and the raiding team seized three Kalashnikovs, nine magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition. Accomplices of the terrorists fled, according to the statement.

In another statement issued by the CTD late on Tuesday night, three terrorists were killed for attempting to enter Charsadda district from Mohmand tribal district.

The CTD said that the crossfire took place when a team reached the area on a tip-off to arrest the terrorists.

It said that the teams, deployed to arrest members of the banned outfit in Shabqadar area of Charsadda district, was attacked, leading to an intense exchange of fire between terrorists and CTD personnel.

As the firing stopped, a search operation was conducted, with the CTD personnel recovering bodies of three terrorists, including Hayat Khan, Asim and Aminullah.

The statement said that following a preliminary investigation, the department found that those militants were wanted for multiple activities and targeted killings.

Hayat Khan was a proclaimed offender and wanted for the targeted killing of religious scholar Maulana Izzatullah, while Asim was involved in attacks on police personnel and religious leaders in Khyber tribal district, according to the statement.

It added that the team recovered three Kalashnikovs and hand grenades, while an operation was being conducted to arrest the terrorists who had escaped.

Meanwhile in Lower South Waziristan, security forces on Wednesday demolished houses of a militant commander and his associate in the Zeri Noor and Gangikhel areas of Lower South Waziristan district.

Police officials said the action targeted hideouts allegedly used by armed individuals involved in serious crimes, including targeted killings, extortion, and other violent activities.

The demolished properties reportedly belonged to two wanted individuals, identified as the commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Gulbahdur group, Fateh Wazir and his associate, Zaraqawi.

The officials said both the individuals were wanted in multiple criminal cases and were accused of involvement in the killing of civilians as well as other militant activities.

Officials stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to restore law and order in the region.

Though residents have welcomed efforts to restore peace, they have expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region. They have urged the authorities to ensure sustained and effective measures for long-term stability.

Security forces and police have also appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals.

Officials emphasised that public cooperation is essential for strengthening peace in the region.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026