Authorities have confirmed that a senior Daesh (ISIS) commander believed to be behind the 2022 Peshawar mosque bombing has been killed in Afghanistan. The news has been welcomed in Pakistan, where the attack remains one of the deadliest in recent years.
The 2022 Peshawar Attack
In March 2022, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in Peshawar’s Kocha Risaldar area during Friday prayers. The explosion was devastating, killing more than 60 worshippers and injuring dozens more. Families were torn apart, and the community was left in shock.
Daesh quickly claimed responsibility, saying it had targeted the Shia minority. The attack was widely condemned across Pakistan and internationally as an act of brutal terrorism. It also highlighted the threat posed by extremist groups still operating in the region.
The Commander’s Death
According to reports, the Daesh commander who planned and ordered the Peshawar bombing was killed in a security operation in Afghanistan. Officials say intelligence-sharing between regional forces played a key role in tracking him down.
Though details of the operation are limited, sources confirmed that the militant leader had been hiding in Afghanistan, moving between remote areas to avoid detection. His death is seen as a significant blow to Daesh’s ability to carry out cross-border attacks.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistani leaders welcomed the news, saying justice had finally been delivered for the victims of the Peshawar bombing. Government officials praised security agencies for their cooperation in tracking down the militant.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the death of the commander was an important step but warned that the fight against terrorism is not over. “We will continue to pursue all those who attack our people and our places of worship,” he said.
Impact on Security
Experts believe the killing of the Daesh commander will weaken the group’s network in the region. However, they caution that Daesh still maintains cells in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the risk of further attacks remains.
The incident also highlights the importance of cooperation between countries. With militants often crossing borders to seek refuge, regional coordination is seen as crucial to maintaining security.
Reactions from the Community
For the families of those killed in the Peshawar mosque bombing, the news brings some sense of relief, though the pain of loss remains. Community leaders said they hope the commander’s death will prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.
Religious scholars once again urged unity and tolerance, stressing that sectarian violence serves only the interests of extremists. They called for continued efforts to promote peace between different groups in Pakistan.
Looking Forward
While the death of the Daesh commander is seen as a victory, security officials warn that extremist groups often try to reorganize after losing leaders. Vigilance, intelligence-sharing, and community cooperation are considered essential in preventing future attacks.
Conclusion
The killing of the Daesh commander behind the 2022 Peshawar mosque bombing marks an important step in the fight against terrorism. For Pakistan, it is both a moment of justice and a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring peace and security. While the victims of Peshawar will never be forgotten, their memory strengthens the resolve to keep battling extremism in the region.