The Karak-Kohat operation resulted in the killing of four suspected terrorists during a joint intelligence-based operation conducted by police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Karak police, the operation was launched in the Khattak Dam area near the Karak-Kohat border after authorities received credible intelligence about the presence of armed militants.
Police said the operation began early Friday morning after intelligence reports indicated that suspected terrorists were hiding in the area. Karak and Kohat police jointly carried out the operation to locate and neutralise the militants before they could launch any attacks.
According to the official statement, the suspects opened fire on the police team during the operation. Security personnel responded with retaliatory fire, leading to an intense exchange that resulted in the deaths of four suspected members of the group identified by police as the “Commander Zahid Group.”
Police stated that the group was allegedly involved in attacks that claimed the lives of several police officers and personnel in the region. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, and efforts are underway to verify their criminal records and affiliations.
Following the operation, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to ensure that no additional suspects remained in the vicinity. Police said the search would continue until the area was fully cleared.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police for the successful operation, describing the slain militants as “India-sponsored terrorists.” He commended the bravery of the security personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The operation comes amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the province, where security forces continue to face militant violence. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies’ Annual Security Report 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a significant increase in violence last year, underscoring the continuing security challenges in the region.
