Four terrorists killed in joint operation near Lahore

Provincial home minister Shuja Khanzada says militants belong to TTP

LAHORE: At least three suspected terrorists were killed and a fourth blew himself up during a Police and intelligence agencies' raid late on Sunday night at a house in Imamia Colony near Lahore, a police official told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.

"We had intelligence information about presence of suspected militants in a house and when a police party was sent there, the suspects opened fire at them," provincial home minister Shuja Khanzada told AFP.

"Three militants were killed and the fourth one blew himself up and two others were wounded and captured," he added.

"The group belongs to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan," Khanzada.

Read: TTP's Haji Gul among 4 terrorists killed in North Waziristan

Further, the official said a large cache of arms, scores of rocket launchers and at least 20 kilogrammes of explosive material was seized from the hideout.

"A large scale terrorism bid in Lahore has been foiled after the successful operation in Ferozewala," he added,

Recently appointed Sheikhupura DPO, Suhail Zafar Chattha told The Express Tribune that he has not taken charge of the district police as yet and was unaware of the operation.

Read: Soldier, terrorist killed in Mansehra shootout

Police and Counter Terrorism Department force have cordoned off the vicinity and a search and sweep operation is underway in the adjoining areas, including Imamia colony, Pathan colony and Raheem colony.

Ferozewala is a town of Shaikhupura District located near Lahore on GT Road.

Punjab CM lauds successful operation

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has lauded the successful operation conducted by the law enforcement agencies against terrorists near Kala Shah Kaku in Lahore, Radio Pakistan reported.

Shahbaz, in a statement in Lahore on Monday, praised the officers and jawans who took part in the successful operation and said “The law enforcing agencies bravely and courageously failed the evil designs of the terrorist.”

Meanwhile, Shujah Khanzada also appreciated the successful operation and said that terrorists had planned a major attack for destruction at a large scale.