PESHAWAR: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Peshawar has claimed that four militants belonging to the proscribed group Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Badhaber area of Peshawar.
According to the CTD, it had received information about the movement of armed militants in the area. A suspected militant commander, identified as Tahir alias Muawiya, a resident of Shakas in Khyber district, was allegedly spotted moving around the area with associates.
The CTD said special SWAT teams were deployed and ambushes were established along possible entry and exit routes to intercept the suspects.
During the operation, two motorcycles carrying suspected militants were signalled to stop. The suspects allegedly abandoned their motorcycles and opened fire on the police team. CTD personnel returned fire in what officials described as an effort to protect themselves and apprehend the suspects.
The exchange of fire continued for around 20 to 30 minutes, according to the CTD. A subsequent search of the area found four suspected militants dead, while several others allegedly escaped under cover of darkness.
The identities of the deceased were still being verified, officials said.
The CTD said it recovered three submachine guns, a pistol, a hand grenade, three magazines, several rounds of ammunition and mobile phones from the scene.
An Afghan tazkira (identity document) was also reportedly recovered from the pocket of one of the deceased. The document was issued in the name of Aman Khan, son of Ali Khan, a resident of Kunar, Afghanistan. Officials said the photograph on the document appeared to match the deceased, but further verification was underway.
The two motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects were also taken into police custody.
The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) and Crime Scene Unit were called to the site to collect evidence and carry out technical and forensic procedures.
A search operation was continuing in Badhaber to trace and arrest the militants who allegedly fled the scene.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed and the Additional Inspector General of the CTD praised the department’s personnel for the operation and commended their professional performance.
Police officials reiterated that operations against militants and their facilitators would continue across the province, saying those involved in terrorism would be dealt with according to law.
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