PESHAWAR, March 28, 2026 (Agencies) — A wave of militant violence and counter-terror operations has gripped Pakistan’s border districts over the past two days, with incidents reported across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In Bajaur District, authorities confirmed the death of Bilal Kaka, a prominent militant commander who fled to Afghanistan after Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Kaka, long considered a persistent threat, reportedly died of natural causes during movement along the border belt. His death is being described as a significant setback for militant coordination in the Bajaur–Kunar axis.
Meanwhile, militants in Shakardara, FR Peshawar, set fire to a heavy excavator after a contractor refused to pay extortion demands. The attack destroyed the machinery and disrupted a local infrastructure project. Security forces have launched a search operation in the mountainous terrain to apprehend the perpetrators.
In Bara Tehsil of Khyber District, a major armed engagement erupted as security forces intercepted militants in Aka Khel, Mari Khel, and Darah Ada. Heavy exchanges of fire continue as reinforcements from the Frontier Corps bolster the cordon. Residents have been advised to remain indoors.
Elsewhere in Bajaur, security forces clashed with militants from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar in Shakaro village, Wardah Mamund. Reinforcements, including the District Task Force, have been requested. The confrontation coincides with a curfew in nearby Dama Dola, part of a broader campaign to dismantle JuA and TTP remnants.
In Bannu District, militants destroyed the Government Girls Primary School Matiullah in Bakakhel, marking the second school attack in 24 hours and the fifth in Bannu since January. The blast halted academic activities and intensified security operations against IED-planting cells targeting girls’ education.
The Torkham border crossing was abruptly closed after sniper fire from the Afghan side injured Frontier Corps Subedar Sherzada. The incident halted the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals, leaving thousands stranded.
In Mardan’s Toru area, Mufti Abid Ali, a local JUI-F leader, was assassinated while heading to Fajr prayers. Police suspect ISKP involvement, given similarities to previous targeted killings. Investigations are underway with CCTV footage under review.
In Qila Abdullah, Balochistan, SHO Ali Mohammad Kakozai was critically injured in an ambush while traveling home. He was evacuated to Quetta for treatment, while security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search for the attackers.
In Duki, Balochistan, a joint police–ATF operation killed two “most wanted” militants, Sanaullah and Jamal Khan. A cache of weapons and explosives was recovered. Officials hailed the operation as a breakthrough against insurgents in the Duki–Loralai axis.
And in Kalat, security forces neutralized a Fitna al-Hindustan cell in Nargama along the Sohand–Pandran corridor. Two militants were killed, one injured, and one escaped. Intelligence intercepts confirmed disruption of the group’s local chain of command.
The incidents highlight militants’ continued focus on economic sabotage, targeted assassinations, and attacks on education, while security forces intensify containment and elimination operations across tribal belts and border districts.