Wanted Fitna al-Khawarij commander Saifullah Killed in intelligence-based operation in Bara Sheikhan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have eliminated a highly wanted commander of Fitna al-Khawarij, affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have eliminated a highly wanted commander of Fitna al-Khawarij, affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), during a successful intelligence-based operation in the Bara Sheikhan area.

The deceased terrorist, identified as Saifullah, was wanted by law enforcement agencies in connection with several serious terrorism-related cases, including attacks on security installations and improvised explosive device (IED) explosions.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) record, Saifullah was a proclaimed offender involved in multiple incidents targeting security forces and public safety. Investigators linked him directly to attacks on security checkpoints in Maidanak and IED blasts in Ali Masjid, Jamrud.

Police officials said the terrorist had been residing in Afghanistan for approximately three years to evade arrest and avoid legal action in Pakistan. During this period, he reportedly remained outside the reach of Pakistani law enforcement agencies.

However, intelligence reports indicated that Saifullah had recently returned to Pakistan after assuming the position of commander within a terrorist formation. He was reportedly planning to carry out further subversive activities and target security installations.

Acting on intelligence information regarding his presence and suspected activities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police launched an intelligence-based operation in Bara Sheikhan to track down and eliminate the threat.

During the operation, police personnel confronted the wanted terrorist, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The encounter ended with Saifullah being killed by the law enforcement team.

The operation, however, also involved an attack on police personnel. According to officials, the terrorist used a grenade during the encounter, leaving two police officers with minor injuries. The injured personnel were immediately provided first aid, and their condition was reported to be stable.

The successful operation has been described as an important development in the ongoing efforts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police to dismantle militant networks and prevent attacks against security forces and civilians.

Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed praised the police personnel involved in the operation and appreciated their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting the public.

The provincial police chief commended the officers for successfully eliminating a wanted commander of Fitna al-Khawarij despite facing an armed attack during the encounter.

He said the personnel who neutralised the terrorist and helped prevent potential attacks, thereby protecting the lives of hundreds of innocent citizens, were valuable assets to the nation.

The IG further reaffirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police would continue their operations against terrorist elements without interruption. He emphasised that the law enforcement agencies remained committed to eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the province.

He also maintained that counterterrorism efforts would continue until the last terrorist was eliminated and the country was completely freed from the threat of militancy.

The operation in Bara Sheikhan highlights the continued role of intelligence-based policing in identifying wanted militants, disrupting terrorist networks and preventing planned attacks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced repeated security challenges due to militant activities, particularly attacks targeting police personnel, security checkpoints and government installations. Police and other law enforcement agencies have continued coordinated efforts to track down individuals involved in such incidents.

Officials reiterated their determination to maintain pressure on militant groups and ensure the safety of citizens through sustained operations and improved intelligence coordination.