Three terrorists killed in CTD operation in Mardan

Authorities recover three Kalashnikov rifles, other firearms and hand grenades from their possession

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Wednesday killed three terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al-Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation in Mardan, recovering a cache of weapons and launching a search operation in the area.

According to the CTD, the operation was conducted in the Shabqadar area based on intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants. During the raid, an exchange of fire took place between the terrorists and law enforcement personnel, resulting in the deaths of all three militants.

The CTD identified two of the slain terrorists as Hayat Khan alias Hayatullah, a wanted suspect in the targeted killing of Maulana Izzatullah, and Asim, who was allegedly involved in the targeted killings of police personnel and religious leaders in Khyber District.

Officials said the identification process for the third terrorist was still underway. Security forces recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, other firearms and hand grenades from the possession of the slain terrorists, according to the CTD.

They added that a search operation was continuing to track down any accomplices who may have escaped from the area. Security measures have also been tightened in the vicinity.

Also Read: Five terrorists killed in Attock IBO: CTD

A day earlier, the Punjab CTD killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in a border area near Attock. The department had received credible intelligence that terrorists present in the area had finalised plans to carry out attacks in different parts of Punjab, a CTD spokesperson said

Giving further details of the operation, he said that a raid was conducted on the reported hideout, during which the suspects opened fire on law enforcement personnel, triggering an exchange of fire. As a result, all five terrorists were killed, he added.

The spokesman said the slain terrorists were affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij.

"A suicide jacket, three SMGs, two hand grenades and ammunition were recovered from their possession," said the spokesperson, adding that identification of the terrorists is under way, while a search operation in adjoining areas has been launched. He also urged citizens to report suspicious activity on the CTD helpline.