ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed the alleged mastermind of last month’s deadly attack on a police check post in the country’s northwest, police sources said on Saturday, describing his death as a major blow to the outlawed Pakistani Taliban.
The suspected militant, identified as Amir Muawiya, was killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Chapri Naryab area of Hangu district.
Officials said he was behind the attack on the Khazana Banda police check post that killed nine police personnel on July 30.
“Amir Muawiya held a key position in the Kurram chapter of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ... and was wanted by security forces in connection with multiple terrorist attacks,” police sources said on condition of anonymity.
Officials said all militants involved in the July 30 attack would be pursued without exception and that no one would be spared.
“The elimination of Amir Muawiya is a major setback for the terrorist network,” they said, adding that operations against militants had been intensified and would continue until “the last terrorist” was eliminated.
Nine police personnel and 15 militants were killed in the Hangu attack last month, while 28 police personnel were wounded, according to police.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for carrying out the intelligence-based operation, saying such raids were essential to restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and combating militancy.
