Mianwali, May 23, 2025 — The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed three terrorists and launched a manhunt for six others who escaped during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted near Rehmanikhel, Mianwali.
CTD Conducts Night Raid in Mianwali
On Friday, CTD personnel initiated an IBO in the Rehmanikhel area with the objective of arresting a group of terrorists who had finalized plans to attack police posts. As soon as the CTD teams reached the location, the terrorists opened fire on the officials. During the fierce gunfight, the terrorists mistakenly killed three of their own while six managed to flee under cover of the night.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
The CTD team recovered three rifles, hand grenades, bullets, and a quantity of explosives from the site. Officials immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Law enforcement established multiple blockades near Rehmanikhel in an effort to apprehend the fugitives. The process of identifying the dead terrorists is currently underway.
Coordinated Attacks in KP Also Foiled
In related incidents, unidentified attackers targeted the Fatehkhel police post in Bannu district and the Takia post in Bara tehsil, Khyber district. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police successfully repelled both attacks due to their swift response. One young man sustained injuries during the exchange of fire in Bannu.
KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed praised the officers for their professionalism and commitment. He emphasized that the police force remains determined to eliminate terrorism. IG Hameed also announced cash rewards and certificates for the officers involved.
Interior Minister Commends Security Forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the CTD and KP Police for their bravery. He applauded the Mianwali operation and emphasized that the nation stands proud of its security forces. Naqvi praised the CTD’s tactical performance and highlighted the ongoing fight against rising terror threats in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan.
Escalating Terror Threats in Pakistan
Since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire in November 2022, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity, particularly targeting police and law enforcement personnel. Earlier this month, gunmen shot and killed a policeman in Bannu, and a bomb blast in Khuzdar claimed six lives, including three students.
The Mianwali operation reflects the ongoing commitment of Pakistan’s security forces to counter terrorism and maintain national stability.
