PESHAWAR: Four suspected militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Peshawar Region in the Mirakchori area, according to the CTD Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The CTD said the suspects were allegedly affiliated with the JUA Jamroz group of Fitna al-Khawarij. Several other militants reportedly managed to escape during the operation.
According to the department, it had received credible intelligence that militants were present at a cemetery in Mehr Gul Kalay, Mirakchori, where they were allegedly planning attacks on security forces and intended to damage government property.
Acting on the information, a SWAT team of the CTD Peshawar Region conducted an intelligence-based operation at the location.
The CTD said the militants opened fire on its personnel, triggering an exchange of fire that continued for around 20 to 25 minutes.
After the firing stopped, security personnel conducted a search of the area and recovered the bodies of four militants. Other suspects allegedly escaped under the cover of darkness.
The CTD said all its personnel remained safe during the operation.
According to the department, three Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, a hand grenade, seven magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain suspects. The recovered material has been taken into custody for further investigation and forensic examination.
The CTD identified one of the deceased as Syed Wali, son of Abdul Ghani, a resident of Nangarhar, Afghanistan. An Afghan refugee card was also recovered from his possession.
The press release said that, based on available evidence, investigators suspect Syed Wali may have been one of three suicide attackers previously mentioned in a threat alert regarding their alleged entry into Pakistan from Afghanistan through Khyber district. However, the department said further investigation was underway to establish the facts.
The CTD said the process of terrorist profiling of the deceased was continuing, while a search and pursuit operation was also underway to apprehend the militants who escaped.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and the Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department praised CTD Peshawar Region personnel for their professionalism, courage and bravery during the operation.
The CTD Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reiterated its commitment to continuing intelligence-based operations to combat terrorism, strengthen the writ of the state and protect the lives and property of citizens.
