- CTD acted on confirmed intelligence reports.
- Ajmal, one of the militants, was wanted for multiple crimes including murder and extortion.
- All three were connected to IED attacks and assaults on police.
SWAT – The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) eliminated three members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-led operation in Barikot, Swat, a spokesperson said on Saturday.
The individuals killed were identified as Ajmal alias Waqas, Mutiullah alias Junaid, and Rahimullah. According to CTD, the operation was launched following solid intelligence about the presence of wanted militants in the area.
Ajmal was facing nine cases linked to terrorism and had been declared wanted for his involvement in murder and extortion. Authorities had placed a bounty of Rs2 million on his arrest.
Mutiullah, allegedly involved in two terrorism cases, was suspected of assassinating individuals who supported law enforcement efforts.
Rahimullah, also named in two terrorism cases, was accused of facilitating targeted killings and providing operational support to militants.
CTD confirmed all three were involved in planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and launching attacks on police stations and infrastructure.
A recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based think tank, noted a slight decrease in terrorist activity across Pakistan in June.
PICSS recorded 78 attacks nationwide that month, which resulted in at least 100 deaths. Among the dead were 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of peace committees.
Injuries totaled 189, including 126 from security forces and 63 civilians.
Compared to May, the report indicated an 8% drop in the number of attacks, a 12% fall in deaths, and a slight uptick in injuries.
In total, June’s violence and counter-operations resulted in 175 fatalities — including 77 militants, 55 security officials, 41 civilians, and two peace committee members.
