LAKKI MARWAT: In a dramatic gun battle with the police and local peace committee, three terrorists were killed in Lakki Marwat’s Kot Kashmir on Wednesday.
The operation also resulted in the martyrdom of a police officer, Shahidullah Gundi Khankhel, who succumbed to his injuries after being critically wounded during the exchange of fire.
The clash highlights the growing militant presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district, where terrorist activities have intensified in recent months despite efforts by local peace committees to curb such threats and maintain security.
According to a statement from Lakki Marwat police spokesperson Shahid Marwat, the operation targeted members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known locally as Fitna Al Khawarij.
“In the exchange of fire, three Khawarij, including a key local terrorist, Commander Chhota Waseem Gundi Khankhel, were killed,” the statement revealed.
The police had received intelligence about terrorists moving from Gundi towards Kot Kashmir. Acting on this information, the local police and peace committee members pursued the militants. When the police confronted the terrorists, a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, during which one terrorist was killed immediately.
The other two terrorists entered a nearby house, attempting to use women and children as human shields. However, the police strategically surrounded the house, rescuing the civilians and continuing the firefight, ultimately killing the remaining terrorists after a two-hour standoff.
In the aftermath of the operation, police recovered weapons and ammunition from the terrorists’ possession. One of the slain terrorists was confirmed as Commander Chhota Waseem, a notorious figure wanted for numerous terrorist activities. The identities of the other two slain terrorists are still being verified.
In a statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the bravery and professionalism of the Lakki Marwat police. “This operation is a testament to the courage of our officers and the patriotic spirit of the people of Lakki Marwat, who stand with their police to rid the area of terrorism,” he said.
Hameed also announced cash rewards and certificates of appreciation for the successful operation.
This marks the latest in a series of clashes between local security forces and militants in the region. Earlier in April, a similar gun battle broke out in the Begukhel area following the killing of an elderly man and the wounding of his relatives. Additionally, last month, the police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos launched a joint operation against terrorists in rural areas of Lakki Marwat.
