Security forces have eliminated a most-wanted militant commander during a joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Police said the operation took place near the Wanda Amir area and targeted militants linked to Fitna al Khawarij. The suspect, identified as Barkatullah, also known as Barkati and Abu Zar, held the rank of a senior commander and featured on law enforcement’s most-wanted lists.
Officials said Barkatullah used multiple aliases and maintained links with several militant groups operating in the region. He faced more than 10 criminal cases, including attacks on security forces. Members of local peace committees supported the operation alongside CTD and police personnel.
Lakki Marwat & CTDPolice conducted a successful joint operation in District Lakki, neutralizing a highly wanted terrorist commander Barkat alias barkati.
Barkati was involved in several targeted killings.
RPO Bannu SajjadKhan praised CTD &Lakki Police for the successful operation pic.twitter.com/1Bfx9i0vyl
— KP Police (@KP_Police1) December 25, 2025Law enforcement officers recovered weapons used by the militant at the scene. Several other suspects escaped by exploiting the area’s rugged terrain, prompting continued surveillance.
Separate Operation in Dera Ismail Khan
In a related development, Pakistani security forces also neutralised two militants, including a high-value target, during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation took place in the Kulachi area after authorities received confirmed intelligence about militant presence.
On 19 December 2025, nine khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
On reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in Dera Ismail Khan…
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 25, 2025One of the slain militants was identified as Dilawar, a highly wanted figure carrying a government-announced reward of Rs4 million. ISPR said Dilawar was involved in multiple attacks on security forces and the killing of civilians.
Security personnel seized weapons and ammunition during the operation. ISPR added that a follow-up clearance operation remains underway to ensure the area is fully secured. The military reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate militancy from the country and said intelligence-based operations would continue to prevent future attacks and safeguard public safety.
