On Saturday, security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Darra Adamkhel successfully killed eight militants, including two Afghan nationals linked to the banned Tariq Gidar group, an affiliate of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).This brings the total number of militants neutralised in the ongoing operation to thirteen, with five killed on Friday when the offensive began.The operation was launched following reports of militant presence in the area, which has since been cordoned off to prevent any escape.Among the deceased militants were Daud from Zorh Kalay, and Hamza, Qari Zeenatullah, and Qari Lawangin.Afghan nationals Zeenatullah and Lawangin were also among those killed, while identities of others are still being verified.

The Tariq Gidar group, named after its commander Tariq Afridi who was killed in 2012, has been active in the region, conducting attacks against security forces and convoys.Darra Adamkhel, bordering Kohat and Peshawar districts, has historically been a hotspot for militant activity.

The resurgence in terrorism has been noted since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Kabul in 2021, with Pakistan repeatedly urging Afghan authorities to dismantle sanctuaries for terrorist groups, including TTP.

Earlier this month, similar operations in KP’s Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts resulted in the death of five militants, and in April, eight terrorists were killed along the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan.Security sources have confirmed that the operation in Darra Adamkhel is ongoing and will continue until all militants are eliminated.