Joint-operation: Six Qaeda terrorists killed in Layyah

At least two militants managed to escape; Da’ish commander arrested in Gujranwala

MULTAN: Counter terrorism police and intelligence personnel on Wednesday claimed to have killed six alleged militants belonging to al Qaeda and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in Layyah.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed that on Tuesday night they received a tip-off that militants were meeting in Chaubara area of Layyah district.

Subsequently, officials from CTD Multan and security agencies carried out a joint operation to apprehend the suspects. A spokesperson for CTD claimed that they intended to arrest the suspects and asked them to surrender. Instead of giving up, the militants started firing at officials and even hurled a hand grenade.

Police retaliated and in the ensuing crossfire, at least six militants were killed. They added that at least two militants managed to escape into the darkness.

During a search of dead militants and the scene after the firefight, police claimed to have recovered two hand grenades, two automatic rifles, and one pistol.

Officials added that the militants were planning to attack government offices and personnel of law enforcement Agencies (LEA).

Further investigation into the incident, police say, has been launched.

Terrorist arrested in Gujranwala

The CTD claimed to have arrested a suspected terrorist in Gujranwala late on Tuesday night.

Acting on a tip-off, the CTD raided a suspected hideout near Mini Stadium in Gujranwala and arrested Faisal Babar, a suspected commander of Da’ish. CTD claimed to have recovered a number of explosives including pressure cooker bombs, time bombs, ball-bearings and detonators from his possession.

Officials claimed that the suspect was planning to carry out terrorist attacks on security installations in the city.

He was shifted to undisclosed location for questioning.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2016.