Counter-terrorism operation eliminates TTP commander in Hangu

In Pakistan, on March 26, 2025, a joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department and Hangu police led to the elimination of a notorious commander of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, identified as Saeed. This operation took place in the Shna Warai area of Hangu district, where Saeed had previously been involved in several violent acts, including the killing of a police officer named Qudratullah. Authorities had been actively hunting Saeed due to his connections with militants across the border, further emphasized by the recovery of an Afghan SIM card from his possession during the operation. This raid was initiated following credible intelligence reports about Saeed's whereabouts. The operation involved significant resistance from Saeed and his accomplices, leading to a two-hour exchange of gunfire between the militants and law enforcement. While Saeed was ultimately killed, some accomplices managed to escape into nearby mountainous regions, complicating ongoing security efforts. In addition to the loss of Saeed, law enforcement recovered a Kalashnikov rifle and two hand grenades, indicating the potential threat posed by the individuals involved. In a separate incident in Dera Ismail Khan, relatives and local community members protested against the police's failure to apprehend those responsible for the killing of four family members over a land irrigation dispute. The victims were from the same family, and the community's frustration culminated in a protest that temporarily blocked traffic on the Islamabad Road until district police officer Sajjad Ahmed assured the protesters that action will be taken against the suspects. The police have listed ten suspects connected to this incident, and investigations are currently in process. In conjunction with these events, Dera police have urged the public to refrain from festive firing during the upcoming Eid celebrations due to the associated dangers, especially to the younger population. The police aim to implement stricter measures to ensure safety, including an awareness campaign against celebratory gunfire, which has led to fatal incidents in the past. These concurrent issues highlight ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, as both law enforcement agencies and communities strive to counteract violence and work towards a safer environment.