MILITARY

KP Police Repel Terrorist Attacks; TTP Commander Among Three Killed

KP police thwart multiple terror attacks on stations & checkposts. TTP commander Kashif Azmatullah among 3 terrorists killed. Public stands with law enforcement to combat rising militancy.
2025-03-17
KP Police Repel Terrorist Attacks; TTP Commander Among Three Killed

A fresh wave of terrorist attacks targeted police stations and checkposts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Lakki Marwat and Peshawar districts, but security forces successfully repelled the assaults, authorities confirmed on Monday.

These incidents follow a string of attacks in Peshawar, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur over the past 48 hours, resulting in the martyrdom of two policemen and injuries to five others.

Uptick in Terrorism After Ceasefire Collapse

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror-related incidents, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

On Sunday night, a police statement said terrorists from the Fitna Al Khawarij—a term used by the state for the TTP—attempted to attack the Gambila police station in Lakki Marwat. However, the Quick Response Force (QRF) fired back, forcing the attackers to retreat.

“15-16 terrorists were spotted near the west and south of the police station at 12:15 am. A 15-minute exchange of fire ensued, but the police remained safe,” the statement read.

In another incident, unknown assailants hurled a grenade at a checkpost in Peshawar’s Malazai area late Sunday night. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Masood Bangash confirmed no casualties or damage.

TTP Commander Kashif Azmatullah Killed

Amidst the escalating violence, security forces have intensified operations against militants. A commander of a banned outfit was among three terrorists killed in the past two days.

The Central Police Office (CPO) Peshawar confirmed:

“All attacks were successfully repelled. Two terrorists were eliminated in Lakki Marwat and Karak, including TTP commander Kashif Azmatullah.”

Azmatullah, a notorious militant affiliated with the TTP’s Kalimullah group, was wanted by the KP Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). He was reportedly involved in:

  • The attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) fort
  • Targeted killings, including the murder of Constable Irfan
  • Police station and checkpost attacks
  • A bank robbery and abductions
  • Spreading threats on social media

Azmatullah was neutralized two days ago during a counter-terror operation in Karak, according to Karak District Police Officer (DPO) Shehbaz Elahi.

Series of Attacks Across KP

The CPO detailed that militants attacked the Abbasa Khattak police post in Lakki Marwat two days ago. In response, security forces launched an operation that targeted temporary TTP hideouts on the Lakki Marwat-Karak border.

During this counteroffensive, a convoy led by Lakki Marwat DPO Jawwad Ishaq was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in injuries to police personnel. However, security forces managed to kill one terrorist while others fled.

Another militant was killed in Tank district during an hours-long exchange of fire after the Nasraan checkpost came under attack.

Police Officers Martyred in Attacks

Despite the successful countermeasures, KP police suffered casualties.

  • Additional Sub-Inspector (ASI) Islam Noor Khan was martyred in an assault on Karak’s Takht-e-Nasrati police station.
  • Constable Nazar Ali was martyred in an attack on Peshawar’s Pajgai post.

KP Police Acknowledge Public Support

The CPO commended the bravery of the KP police, stating that they responded to all attacks “with immense courage while maintaining control over the situation.”

The statement also praised local residents for standing alongside the police in countering terrorism, calling it a testament to public solidarity.

KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed assured that the law enforcement agencies, along with the people, would “once again control the rising monster of terrorism.”

Growing Security Concerns

The recent wave of attacks underscores the persistent security threats in KP, particularly as militants increase their offensives against police and security forces. With counter-terror operations ongoing, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalations.