Members from the Elite Force and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) also took part in the operation.

Security sources confirmed that one of the militants detonated explosives to avoid arrest during the operation.

Among the deceased was Noor Islam, the leader of the Fitna Al Khwarij militant group, who had been carrying Rs5 million headmoney.

The operation, which witnessed heavy gunfire, also saw the martyrdom of three police personnel — Maqbool Ahmed, Fida Hussain, and Saeed-ur-Rehman.

Authorities described the operation as a major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region, emphasising that the elimination of these highly wanted militants would significantly reduce the operational capabilities of their network.

The officials said the operation demonstrated the coordination and commitment of the KP Police, Elite Force, and CTD in combating terrorism in the province’s difficult terrain.