KARAK: Four suspected militants belonging to a banned outfit were killed during a police operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, according to local police officials.

District Police Officer (DPO) said the operation took place in the Sabir Abad area, where security personnel engaged armed suspects in an exchange of fire. Police claimed that all four militants were killed during the encounter, while a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the scene.

A police spokesperson stated that the suspects opened fire on the police party, prompting officers to respond. The exchange of gunfire ended with the deaths of all four alleged militants.

According to the Central Police Office (CPO), the slain suspects were affiliated with the Commander Zahid group, a faction linked to a banned organization. Officials said they were wanted in several terrorism-related cases, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of police officers and personnel.

The CPO further alleged that the group was involved in multiple attacks targeting law enforcement across the province during 2025 and 2026. Authorities reiterated that intelligence-based operations would continue until terrorism is eliminated from the province.

The operation forms part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police aimed at disrupting militant networks and improving security across the region.