By ISPR
ISLAMABAD: n a targeted intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s restive Bannu district on Tuesday, Pakistani security forces neutralized two high-value militants in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed. The operation, carried out in the Mughal Kot sector, targeted a TTP cell led by Tariq Kachi, a notorious commander, and resulted in the deaths of Kachi and his close associate Hakimullah, also known as “Tiger.”
Security sources described Kachi as a persistent threat, responsible for orchestrating attacks over the past two years and for extorting funds to sustain militant activities. He played a central role in coordinating cross-border infiltration of fighters from Afghanistan, making him a key facilitator within the TTP network. His elimination marked a significant setback for the group, which has long carried out deadly attacks on civilians and security personnel alike.
Forces recovered a substantial cache of heavy weapons following the operation, highlighting the cell’s capacity for violence and the tactical significance of the strike. Officials said the operation formed part of Pakistan’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks destabilizing border regions and threatening public safety.
The strike came against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic tension, as Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. The issue, central to recent talks between Pakistani officials and the Afghan Taliban in Doha, remains a key point of friction in Islamabad’s pursuit of regional security. Analysts noted that the operation underscored Pakistan’s dual approach: combining targeted counterterrorism measures with diplomatic efforts to pressure Kabul into action.
Local residents and officials welcomed the operation, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring security in a district long affected by militancy. While the elimination of Kachi and Hakimullah will not end the threat entirely, it represented a tangible success for security forces and sent a clear warning to remaining militant networks that their operations would continue to face relentless pursuit.
