WANA/DERA ISMAIL KHAN (MNN); Pakistan’s security forces foiled a major terrorist plot in Lower South Waziristan by destroying an explosives-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack, while the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed a wanted militant during a separate intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said on Saturday.
According to security sources quoted by state media, security forces carried out a timely intelligence-based operation in Wana that successfully intercepted and destroyed an explosives-filled vehicle before it could be used in a suicide attack.
The operation resulted in the death of one terrorist and injuries to five others, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating attack on Wana and nearby areas.
Authorities said the successful operation averted significant civilian casualties and ensured the safety of local residents.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for thwarting the planned terrorist attack, commending their professionalism and swift action.
In a statement, Naqvi said the intelligence-based operation saved the people of Wana and surrounding areas from a major tragedy. He added that security personnel destroyed both an explosives-laden vehicle and a motorcycle moments before the planned attack.
The latest operation comes just days after security forces foiled another attempted suicide attack on a military post in the Kari Kot area of Wana, where four terrorists were killed after they tried to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into a security installation.
Earlier this year, security forces also prevented another suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in Lower South Waziristan. Although the attack was foiled, one civilian lost his life while 15 others sustained injuries.
The Waziristan region and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have remained vulnerable to terrorist violence for several years despite continued counterterrorism operations.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist attacks in the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declined during June, with 17 attacks recorded compared to 22 in May, reflecting a 23 percent decrease.
However, the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a slight rise in terrorist incidents, with 37 attacks reported in June compared to 32 during the previous month.
Meanwhile, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced that a wanted terrorist was killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Korai area of Dera Ismail Khan.
According to a CTD statement, the slain militant was identified as Khalid alias Commander, who was wanted in several terrorism cases, including the targeted killing of CTD Constable Muhammad Ali, who embraced martyrdom on March 17, 2025.
The CTD said its technical surveillance team received confirmed intelligence regarding Khalid’s presence in the Korai area within the jurisdiction of Shorkot Police Station.
Acting on the information, a CTD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team launched an operation on the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road early Saturday.
Officials said the suspect was repeatedly asked to surrender but instead opened indiscriminate fire on security personnel. The CTD team responded, killing the militant during the exchange of fire.
The department stated that Khalid was associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Zakir Kochi Karwan group and had been evading law enforcement agencies by frequently changing his appearance and shifting locations.
Security officials recovered a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a smartphone from the militant’s possession. The recovered items have been sent for forensic examination.
The CTD said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the terrorist’s facilitators, financiers and members of his logistical support network.
