Security forces foiled a major terrorist attack by destroying an explosives-laden vehicle before it could be used in a suicide bombing during an intelligence-based operation in the Ghwakhwa area of Wana, Lower South Waziristan.

According to security sources, the vehicle was packed with explosives and was intended for use in a major terrorist attack. The forces kept the suspected vehicle under surveillance for three days and targeted it only after it had moved away from populated areas to avoid civilian casualties and damage to property.

The operation destroyed the explosives-filled vehicle and a motorcycle. One militant was killed and five others were injured, the sources said.

Security officials said the timely operation prevented a potentially devastating attack in Wana and surrounding areas, adding that counterterrorism operations would continue without discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Dera Ismail Khan Region carried out a targeted intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Korai area, within the jurisdiction of Shorkot Police Station in Tank district.

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According to the CTD, wanted militant Khalid alias Commander, son of Sadozai alias Alu Zai, was surrounded during the operation and repeatedly ordered to surrender. However, instead of complying, he opened fire on the security personnel, prompting retaliatory fire in which he was killed.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the slain militant was wanted in several cases, including the targeted killing of CTD Constable Muhammad Ali on March 17, 2025. He was also wanted by the local police in multiple criminal cases.

The CTD said the militant had been changing his identity and movements to evade law enforcement agencies.

According to the department, he was affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Zakir Kochi Karwan Group. Legal action is also underway against his alleged facilitators, financiers and members of his logistical network.

Following the operation, officials recovered a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a smartphone from the militant's possession. The recovered items have been taken into custody for forensic examination.