ISLAMABAD:
Security forces killed most wanted Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist Ali Rehman alias Maulana Taha Swati along with seven others in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa , sources confirmed on Friday.
A source said Swati was a close aide of TTP leader Mufti Fazlullah as well as Qari Amjad alias Mufti Mazahim. Swati joined the TTP in 2010 and was an important leader in the TTP Shura, according to the source.
“Upon receiving information about the presence of Khawarij militants, security forces conducted an IBO in Tank district during the night of December 17-18,” the source said, giving details about the IBO.
During the operation, a terrorist, disguised as a woman, entered a house and took two children hostage, while trying to use them as a shield to escape. However, thanks to a successful strategy, the terrorist was eliminated, while both children were recovered safe and sound, sources said.
A vehicle loaded with explosives was also recovered from the terrorists. Sources said the explosive material would likely be used for a major terrorist attack. Meanwhile, local people have praised the military for the safe recovery of the children.
The daily killings of militants on Pakistani soil reflected a strong alliance between the Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban, which posed a serious threat to global and regional peace. Pakistan had repeatedly provided evidence to the Afghan government in this regard, but no action had been taken.
