Shangla: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa conducted its first-ever independent, intelligence-based targeted operation in Kabalgram area of District Shangla, following credible reports of the presence of a FAK Tashkeel posing a serious threat to law enforcement agencies and strategic projects.
Intelligence & Planning
According to official sources, intelligence indicated that high-value targets (HVTs) were hiding in natural cave complexes in the mountainous terrain of Kabalgram with active local facilitation. Additional militants were reportedly stationed inside the village to provide logistics and reinforcement.
The network was allegedly linked to previous VBIED attacks targeting Chinese nationals. Authorities assessed that the militants’ proximity to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) significantly heightened the threat to Chinese-linked development projects and the strategic road corridor.
The operation was launched at 6:30 AM in coordination with local police after detailed operational planning.
Contact & Engagement
As CTD teams advanced toward identified cave-based hideouts, they established contact with armed militants. In the ensuing exchange of fire, three terrorists were killed, including:
Noor Islam alias Salman alias Khog Bacha, son of Zaman Wali, resident of Kabalgram Shangla, identified as Masool of Shangla and former TTP FAK member. He was wanted by CTD KP in the Red Book and carried a head money of Rs. 5 million.
One unidentified militant whose identity is being ascertained.
A third militant who detonated himself during the engagement.
After the elimination of the three militants, remaining elements reportedly maneuvered and concealed themselves beneath an overhanging cliff formation, making direct fire ineffective.
CTD and Elite Force personnel advanced cautiously to close the distance and attempted to neutralize the concealed militants by deploying grenades. During this phase, reinforcement elements from inside the village intervened. Militants allegedly resorted to RPG fire targeting CTD vehicles, followed by indiscriminate firing to facilitate the escape of trapped fighters.
Officials stated that the attack was repulsed through disciplined maneuvering and controlled response.
Martyrdom & Casualties
During the operation, three CTD officials embraced martyrdom:
LHC Maqbool Ahmad (No. 438)
LHC Fida
LHC Saeed ur Rehman
One Elite Force official sustained injuries and is currently under treatment.
Strategic Assessment & Conclusion
Security officials assessed that the presence of an organized militant Tashkeel in Kabalgram, particularly near the KKH, indicates a structured militant node capable of threatening strategic infrastructure and Chinese-linked projects in the region.
Considering the challenging mountainous terrain, tactical disadvantage due to cliff concealment, and risk of further reinforcements from the village, teams conducted a tactical pullback. The area remains under surveillance, and further intelligence-led action is expected.
