Four terrorists killed in Swat operation, Elite Force constable martyred

• Strategic point secured during operation.
• Militants used family as human shields.
• Funeral prayers held for constable.

SWAT: Four terrorists were killed and several others injured during a joint operation by the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Swat’s Matta area, while an Elite Force constable embraced martyrdom, security sources said.

Police successfully secured control of a strategic point in the Rashid Sar area of Matta during the operation, according to security sources. They said the operation was still underway and would continue until the complete elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij.

Security sources said the terrorists took shelter inside a house and used the occupants as human shields during the operation. They added that Elite Force constable Gulfam Khan was martyred during the operation.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its KP and Balochistan provinces, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban came into power.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to rein in terrorist groups. After Islamabad said Kabul failed to fulfil its responsibility, it launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February this year in response to cross-border militant attacks from Afghanistan.

Separately, funeral prayers for the martyred constable were offered at Police Lines in Swat.

The funeral was attended by the Malakand commissioner, the Regional Police Officer (RPO), the Swat District Police Officer (DPO), army and police officials, and a large number of members of civil society.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the martyred constable in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.

“Police martyrs are the nation’s true heroes, and their sacrifices will always be remembered,” the Malakand RPO said.