Three wanted terrorists and "key operatives" of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police in Barikot tehsil of Swat district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday.
In a statement, the CTD (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) noted that a targeted raid was launched on "verified intelligence" regarding the presence of the terrorists.
"Upon interception, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire on the CTD team. The CTD responded with tactical precision, neutralising all three militants on the spot," the statement read.
The Swat CTD referred to the eliminated terrorists as Fitna-al Khawarij, a term used by the state for members of the outlawed TTP, and added that the operation was supported by local police.
The statement noted that the terrorists had been involved in IED blasts targeting law enforcement convoys, armed attacks on police posts and infrastructure, and martyrdom of at least three police officials.
Among the slain militants was Ajmal alias Waqas, son of Abdul Ghaffar and a resident of Mulkabad, Mingora, the statement noted. He was reportedly wanted in nine terrorism-related cases and had been involved in the targeted killing of Village Defence Committee (VDC) members, an attempted assassination of an advocate and extortion from civilians. A bounty of Rs2 million had been placed on him for his capture or elimination.
Another terrorist was identified as Matiullah alias Ishaq/Junaid, son of Ibrat Shah and a resident of Dubsar, Martung in Shangla district. He was wanted in two terrorism cases and had been linked to targeted killings of individuals assisting the law enforcement agencies.
The third slain terrorist was identified as Rahimullah Rahmani alias Roohullah, son of Amanullah and a resident of Shirey, Nuristan, Afghanistan. He was wanted in two terrorism-related cases and had been involved in targeted killings and facilitating terrorist activities.
"Intelligence reports further confirm that the cell was operating under the direction of foreign-based, foreign-funded handlers, with active plans to escalate attacks on security forces, public infrastructure, and pro-state individuals," the CTD statement read.
It added that the operation stood as a testament to the dedication, precision, and inter-agency coordination of Swat CTD and district police who remained committed to safeguarding regional peace and eliminating the threat of militancy.
North Waziristan
Two terrorists were reportedly killed and several others sustained injuries during a joint operation conducted by police and security forces in the Shiwa tehsil of North Waziristan.
The operation took place within the jurisdiction of Chowk Police Post.
Hangu
Meanwhile, a key terror suspect involved in the attack on Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid Khan was killed in a follow-up operation.
The operation was carried out by Hangu police late Friday night.
According to official sources, the intelligence-based operation was launched in the Naryab area within the jurisdiction of Doaba Police Station.
Tank
An injured terrorist belonging to a banned outfit surrendered to the security forces in Tank district. The suspect had reportedly been involved in anti-state activities.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ