Tank, December 20,2024: Security forces successfully neutralized Ali Rehman, alias Maulana Taha Swati, a most-wanted Khawarij leader, along with seven other militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank District.
According to security sources, the operation was conducted on the night of December 17-18 after receiving credible information about the presence of Khawarij militants in the area. Ali Rehman, a close associate of the notorious Khawarij leader Mufti Fazlullah, joined Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2010 and was a prominent figure in the Khawarij Shura.
During the operation, one of the militants entered a house and took two children hostage in an attempt to escape. Disguised in women’s clothing, the militant used the children as human shields. However, security forces deployed a successful strategy, eliminating the militant and safely rescuing the children.
Local residents praised the Pakistan Army for the safe recovery of the children and their swift action. The operation also led to the recovery of an explosive-laden vehicle, which was likely intended for a major terrorist attack.
Security sources highlighted that past operations have successfully eliminated key leaders of the Khawarij. They also emphasized the growing threat posed by the alliance between Khawarij militants and the Afghan Taliban. Despite Pakistan providing credible evidence to the Afghan interim government, no significant action has been taken.
“The alliance between the Afghan Taliban and Khawarij militants continues to pose a serious threat to both regional and global peace,” the sources said.
