In a major intelligence-based operation (IBO), the Kohat District Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully neutralized six high-threat terrorists in the Lachi Tehsil of Kohat. The militants, identified as members of the banned group Fitna-al-Khawarij, were reportedly planning a large-scale sabotage mission targeting regional infrastructure and security personnel.The successful operation has been hailed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a critical step in the ongoing mission to eliminate terrorism from the province.
Kohat DPO says the operation was carried out after police received intelligence that terrorists were planning to orchestrate a large-scale attack in Lachi. https://t.co/T6EO0UvwYe
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) March 15, 2026
Operational Details
- Engagement: Upon detecting the security forces, the terrorists initiated heavy gunfire. The security teams responded with precision, resulting in a gun battle that lasted several hours.
- Casualties: All six terrorists were confirmed killed in the exchange. No casualties were reported among the police or CTD personnel.
- Recovery: A significant cache of modern weapons, hand grenades, and explosive materials was recovered from the site, which officials say were intended for a “major attack.”
Strategic Context
The raid in Kohat coincides with the broader, ongoing Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, which has seen intensified strikes against Fitna-al-Khawarij sanctuaries both domestically and across the border.
- DPO Statement: District Police Officer (DPO) Shahbaz Elahi confirmed that the area has been cordoned off and a “search and strike” operation is continuing in the surrounding mountains to ensure no remnants of the cell remain.
- Surge in Vigilance: The operation follows a recent uptick in cross-border provocations and IED attacks in the Lakki Marwat and Bajaur sectors, which the state has met with retaliatory guided-missile strikes on militant command centers.
Leadership Tributes
Federal and provincial leadership underscored the importance of the Kohat success in maintaining provincial stability.
- Prime Minister’s Determination: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s resolve to “completely eliminate terrorism in all its forms,” commending the bravery and professional readiness of the KP Police.
- Presidential Commendation: President Zardari paid tribute to the martyrs and personnel involved, noting that such proactive operations are essential for establishing long-term peace.
