- Security forces launch hours-long raid in Darshakhel, on a tip-off about presence of militants linked to TTP’s Mullah Nazir Group
- DPO Shahbaz Elahi confirms 17 Khawarij killed, three personnel sustained minor injuries, saying operation continues as area being cleared
KARAK: Security forces carried out a major operation on Friday in Darshakhel area of Shah Saleem police precincts, killing 17 militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and slightly injuring three security personnel, the police said.
“The operation, launched on the basis of a reliable tip-off about the presence of fighters from the TTP Mullah Nazir Group, involved several hours of intense clashes before the cadres were neutralized,” District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi informed.
BREAKING: At least 14 Pakistani Taliban affiliates have been killed and 3 soldiers injured in an Intelligence based operation in Abbasa Khattak area of Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The police have called a curfew in the nearby villages till 2:00 PM tomorrow:… pic.twitter.com/vTAaq9CA2x
— The Khorasan Diary (@khorasandiary) September 26, 2025
DPO Shahbaz Elahi told reporters that the raid targeted a concentrated group of Khawarij operating in and around Darshakhel. “Following credible intelligence about militant movement, security forces moved in and engaged the terrorists. After several hours of fierce firefights, 17 TTP Khawarij were killed,” he said, adding that three members of the security forces sustained minor injuries and received immediate medical attention.
“Around 22 Khawarij started moving towards the population after evening, but security forces surrounded them from all sides and took action, resulting in the killing of more than 17 khawaij belonging to the banned TTP,” he stated.
The security forces taken the bodies of 17 terrorists into custody and shifted to Abbasia Khattak Post.
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اپڈیٹ:
کرک کے تھانہ شاہ سلیم کے علاقہ درشہ خیل میں سکیورٹی فورسز نے 17 سے زائد دہشت گردوں کو ہلاک کردیا۔ڈی پی او کرک شہباز الہی کے مطابق تقریباً 22 دہشت گرد شام کے بعد آبادی کی طرف جانے لگے تو سکیورٹی فورسز نے چاروں اطراف سے گھیراؤ کرکے کارروائی کی، جس کے نتیجے میں کالعدم…
— The Khyber Chronicles (@TKCkhyber) September 26, 2025
According to the DPO, the operation is still ongoing as forces continue to clear the area and verify the identities of the deceased. He warned that authorities will not allow anyone to disturb public order: “Police and security forces will jointly eliminate enemies of peace and elements hostile to the stability of the area. Such people will not find a place to hide,” he declared.
Officials said the action followed actionable intelligence about the presence of militants linked to the Mullah Nazir faction — a group blamed for a series of insurgent attacks in the region. Security personnel coordinated the operation to minimise collateral damage while ensuring the dismantling of the militant cell. Local emergency services and medical teams were placed on alert to treat the injured and assist in post-operation procedures.
Residents of Darshakhel and neighbouring localities reported heightened security presence, with checkpoints and patrols established to prevent any retaliatory movements. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and to cooperate with law enforcement during the clearance and investigation phase.
The DPO reiterated that operations of this nature will continue as part of a sustained campaign to eliminate extremist networks and restore durable peace in Karak and adjoining districts. Further details, including confirmations of militant identities and any recovered material, are expected to be released once clearance and forensic processes are complete.
