Shangla: Three suspected militants were killed during a targeted counterterrorism operation in Kabalgram area of Shangla district, while three officials of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) embraced martyrdom, officials said on Saturday.
According to a statement, the operation was conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following intelligence reports about the presence of a militant group described as FAK Tashkeel in parts of Kabalgram. The group was reportedly posing a threat to law enforcement agencies and ongoing development projects in the region.
Officials said the operation was launched early morning in coordination with local police after detailed planning. During the advance towards suspected hideouts located in mountainous terrain, security personnel encountered armed militants, leading to an exchange of fire.
Three militants were killed in the engagement. One of them was identified as Noor Islam alias Salman, also known as Khog Bacha, a resident of Kabalgram. Authorities said he was previously associated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and was wanted by CTD with a head money of Rs5 million. The identities of the other two militants are being ascertained, with officials stating that one reportedly detonated himself during the encounter.
Reinforcement and escalation
The statement said remaining militants took cover in difficult mountainous terrain. During the operation, additional armed individuals from inside the village allegedly intervened and opened fire to facilitate the escape of those trapped.
Officials said security personnel responded and repulsed the attack. However, three CTD officials — LHC Maqbool Ahmad, LHC Fida and LHC Saeed ur Rehman — were martyred during the operation. One Elite Force official sustained injuries and is under treatment.
Strategic concerns
Authorities noted that the presence of an organised militant group in Kabalgram, located near the Karakoram Highway (KKH), raises security concerns due to the highway’s strategic importance and its connection to regional infrastructure and development initiatives.
Officials said the operation was temporarily concluded due to the challenging terrain and risk of further reinforcement. The area remains under surveillance and further intelligence-based actions are expected.
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