At least three activists were killed and several others injured in a joint search and a joint strike by police and security forces in the Lakki Marwat district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities announced.
The operation, led by District Police Officer (DPO) Jawad Ishaq, was launched on information based on intelligence concerning the presence of activists in the Tajori region, KP Police Media Wing said in a statement.
The staff of the local police, the service to combat terrorism (CTD) and the rapid response force (QRF) participated in the operation, which involved a meeting with 20 to 25 activists in a wooded area near Khan Khel Mandzai, at the border of the Tajori and Bargai police commissioners.
“An exchange of fierce fire lasted approximately two hours, during which three activists were neutralized,” the statement said. No victim has been reported among the security personnel.
Research operations continued in the region following reports that several injured activists had fled.
The Inspector General of the KP police, Zulfiqar Hameed, praised the bravery and the professionalism of the forces involved. He also recognized the critical role of the local peace committee and the residents to support the effort.
“The cooperation of the local community is vital in our mission of maintaining peace and security,” he said, announcing cash awards and statement certificates for the persons involved in the operation.
