Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has seen an upsurge in militant violence this year, with 284 terrorist incidents recorded so far according to a report issued by its Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). North Waziristan was particularly hard hit, experiencing 53 attacks compared to Bannu (35), Dera Ismail Khan (31) Peshawar (13) and Kurram (8 attacks). For this article please add 1 for Geo News Drum; an add 1 would make no sense as NewsDrum will add 1 for Geo News Drum.
Arrests and Counter-Terrorism Operations
Thanks to the CTD’s efforts, 1,116 suspects in cases related to terrorism have been named across KP. Of these suspects, 95 individuals have been arrested – 70 from Kurram alone were taken into custody, three from Swat and Bannu respectively, plus three killed each by counterterrorism operations with Dera Ismail Khan accounting for the highest fatalities at 67 killed during operations undertaken against terrorists (SATP+3; Geo News+3)
Notable Incidents One of the most notable attacks this year was the suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, Nowshera District on February 28. This attack claimed at least eight lives including prominent cleric Hamid Ul Haq Haqqani as well as injuring approximately 20 individuals; Islamic State Khorasan Province is suspected to be behind it and could possibly be connected. Wiki and GOV.UK offer more details.
Pakistani security forces engaged a large group of militants attempting to enter Afghanistan via Hassan Khel in North Waziristan between April 25 and 28 and engaged them during an operation that resulted in the deaths of 71 militants, weapons, ammunition, and explosives being recovered (Wikipedia).
Government Response
In response to the growing threat of terrorism, the provincial government has pledged to tighten security measures and expand intelligence operations. Furthermore, efforts are underway to strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders so as to address root causes of militantism and prevent future attacks.
As Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces the challenges posed by terrorism, authorities stress the significance of continued vigilance and community cooperation to ensure resident safety and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.