PESHAWAR – The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Peshawar Region has claimed the killing of four suspected militants during a successful intelligence based operation at Mehr Gul Kalay cemetery in the Mirakchori area.
According to a CTD government officials, the operation was launched by the department’s SWAT team following credible intelligence that militants affiliated with the Fitna Al Khawarij’s JUA Jamroz Group were planning attacks against security forces and government installations.
As the CTD team approached the suspected hideout, the militants opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that continued for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.After the firing stopped, CTD personnel conducted a search of the area and recovered the bodies of four suspected militants.
Officials said several other militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness, prompting a continued search and pursuit operation in the surrounding area.
Three Kalashnikovs, Pistol and Hand Grenade Recovered
The CTD said its personnel recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, one pistol, one hand grenade, seven magazines and a large quantity of ammunition from the possession of the deceased suspects.The recovered weapons and ammunition have been secured for further investigation and forensic examination.
Afghan National Identified Through Refugee Card
A significant development in the operation was the recovery of an Afghan refugee card from the pocket of one of the deceased suspects.
The individual was identified as Syed Wali son of Abdul Ghani, a resident of Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
According to the CTD, intelligence agencies had previously issued a threat alert regarding the entry of three suspected suicide attackers from Afghanistan into Pakistan through Khyber district for terrorist activities.
Based on the available evidence, investigators suspect that Syed Wali may have been one of the three suspected suicide attackers.However, the CTD stressed that the claim remains under investigation and further intelligence and forensic evidence is being examined to establish his identity, affiliations and role.
Manhunt Underway for Escaped Militants
The CTD said the terrorist profiling of the four deceased suspects is underway, while a search and pursuit operation continues to trace and arrest the militants who escaped from the scene.Officials said the operation was conducted with strict tactical precautions and professional expertise, ensuring that all CTD personnel involved remained safe.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hamid and the Additional Inspector General of CTD praised the Peshawar Region CTD personnel for their professionalism, courage and bravery during the operation.The CTD reiterated its resolve to continue intelligence led operations against militant networks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in order to eliminate terrorism, strengthen the writ of the state and safeguard the lives and property of citizens.