• Nine terrorists killed in a joint operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district.
• Three security personnel, including District Police Officer Khalid Khan, were injured during the operation.
• Pakistan's terror activities have surged since the TTP ended its ceasefire in November 2022.

On Saturday, joint security forces carried out an operation in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the deaths of nine terrorists. The operation, described by police officials as ongoing, involved heavy exchanges of fire and resulted in injuries to three officers, including the District Police Officer (DPO) Khalid Khan, who was transferred to a hospital for treatment, according to Dawn, India Times, and TRT Global.

This surge in violent incidents follows an uptick in terrorism within Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which has been exacerbated since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. "The interior minister said that the nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons and is determined to achieve final victory in the war against terrorism," reported Dawn and Anadolu Agency.

Following the successful operation that resulted in nine casualties among the militants, local authorities and security forces indicated a focused strategy to combat increased terrorist activities. “The operation is continuing successfully, and full action is being taken against the terrorists,” stated Dawn alongside Dawn.

Additional incidents in the region saw security forces intercepting two explosive-laden drones, which were reportedly targeting local police stations, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "All three [injured officers] were transported to a hospital in Kohat and are in stable condition," emphasized statements from Anadolu Agency and Dawn.