According to police, the operation was launched after security personnel received information about the presence of suspected militants in the area. During the raid, the suspects opened fire on the police team, prompting officers to retaliate.
The exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of two terrorists, while another was injured and managed to escape, police said.
K-P Police Chief Says Major Terrorist Plot Foiled
K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfikar Hameed told reporters that security forces had prevented a potentially large-scale terrorist attack by neutralising the suspects.
He described the operation as a significant success in efforts to counter militant activity in the province. However, further details about the suspected attack plan and the identity of the individuals involved were not immediately available.
Police identified the suspects as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by the Pakistani state for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Recent Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The latest operation comes amid an increase in terrorist activity across Pakistan in recent months. A series of attacks have targeted security personnel, law enforcement agencies and civilians in different parts of the country.
Last week, at least 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when an explosion struck a joint security checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
On September 19, a deadly attack on a mosque inside the Police Lines compound in Kohat claimed the lives of 23 people, including 15 police personnel, during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed in a subsequent search and clearance operation. The Afghanistan-based Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, later claimed responsibility.
18 India-Backed Militants Killed in KP, Balochistan Operations: Sources
Security Forces Continue Operations Against Militants
In another incident in Hangu district, six security personnel, including a captain and a lieutenant, were killed during an exchange of fire with militants. Security forces also killed eight terrorists during the encounter.
Earlier, on September 1, six security personnel, including two officers, and a Customs Department official were killed when security forces foiled an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.
In July, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were killed in an attack on police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat. The attackers, identified by the state as members of Fitna al-Hindustan, ambushed the police, triggering prolonged gun battles. Several civilians and police personnel were also abducted during the assault.
Following the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation against militants in the province. Security forces have continued operations as part of broader efforts to improve the security situation.
The latest encounter in Lakki Marwat highlights the continuing security challenges facing K-P, where police and security forces remain engaged in operations against militant groups.
