Four militants were killed in an exchange of fire during a joint Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) conducted by the Karak and Kohat police in the Khattak Dam area, located on the Karak–Kohat border within the jurisdiction of Sabirabad Police Station in Karak. A search operation is currently underway in the area, police said.

According to police spokesperson Shaukat Khattak, the operation was launched after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. During the raid, the militants opened fire on the police, triggering a gun battle in which four militants belonging to the Commander Zahid group were killed.

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Police said the slain militants were involved in the 2025 martyrdoms of SHO Banda Umar Nawaz (Karak district) and Inspector Tahir Nawaz (Kohat district), as well as the 2026 martyrdoms of DSP Asad Mahmood, Sub-Inspector Anar Gul, and other police officers and personnel.

Following the operation, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Authorities are working to confirm the identities of the killed militants and gather further details about their criminal records.

Police spokesperson Shaukat Khattak said operations against militancy will continue with full force to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace in the region.