Two ‘Most-Wanted’ Terrorists Killed in Pakistan CTD Operation
PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Two “most-wanted terrorists” linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Tank district on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The operation, which took place within the limits of the Gomal police station, underscores ongoing efforts to combat rising terrorism in the region.
Gunfight and Recovery of Weapons
According to a press release from the CTD, personnel initiated the operation based on “credible intelligence.” The suspects opened fire on CTD personnel, initiating a gunfight that lasted approximately 40 minutes. Following the exchange, a search operation revealed the bodies of two terrorists. Security forces recovered two Kalashnikov rifles, six magazines with cartridges, and two bandoliers from the scene Dawn, Pakistan Today.
Affiliation and Previous Involvement in Attacks
The CTD identified the slain suspects as being affiliated with the TTP’s Mushtaq group. They were reportedly involved in multiple attacks targeting police personnel, including the targeted killing of a head constable and the abduction and subsequent killing of another constable. The terrorists were likewise implicated in IED attacks against police and an attack on a judges’ convoy in Lakki Marwat in August 2024, which resulted in the deaths of two police personnel Dawn, Pakistan Today.
Official Commendation and Ongoing Vigilance
KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed and the additional CTD IG commended the CTD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team for the successful operation. The officials affirmed that law enforcement agencies will maintain vigilance to protect the public and continue operations aimed at eradicating terrorism Dawn, Pakistan Today.
Rising Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
This operation occurs amidst a broader trend of increasing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Recent data indicates a significant surge in fatalities. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), fatalities in KP rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, representing an increase of over 82% nationally and a 44% year-on-year surge in violence within the province.
In separate incidents earlier this month, six terrorists were killed in a joint operation in Kohat district, and last month, nine police personnel were martyred in terrorist attacks across Punjab and KP Dawn.