In a recent intelligence-based operation in Swat, security forces eliminated the notorious former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat group commander, Naik Muhammad, known for his brutal actions, including whipping women and orchestrating terror activities.
On September 7, 2023, following a tip-off, a combined team of the Pakistan Army and the Counter Terrorism Department successfully operated in the Fizagat area. Muhammad, also known as Niko or Umar, had fled to Afghanistan after ‘Operation Rah-e-Rast’ but returned earlier this year to resume targeted killings and extortion activities under the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) banner.
Muhammad, a key figure in the early days of Swat militancy and a close aide to former group chief Mullah Fazlullah, had intensified attacks this year, including assaulting police officials near the Mingora vegetable market in June and plotting to target the District Police Officer with an explosive device. The Pakistan Army and other agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to eliminate terrorism in the Swat Valley.
