ATTOCK: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday claimed that five suspected militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the border area of Mankor, a remote locality in Attock district’s Jand tehsil.
A CTD spokesperson said security personnel launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence about the presence and activities of militants allegedly involved in planning terrorist attacks in Punjab.
According to the spokesperson, when the CTD team moved into the area, the suspects opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire between the militants and law enforcement personnel.
He said CTD officers responded effectively during the encounter, resulting in the killing of all five suspected terrorists.
The spokesperson added that a cache of weapons, explosive material and hand grenades was recovered from the site after the operation. Preliminary investigations indicated that the slain militants were allegedly linked to plans for carrying out terrorist activities in Punjab.
He further said the operation was conducted on the basis of sensitive intelligence reports regarding the suspects’ movements and operational planning.
Following the raid, authorities launched an extensive search operation in the border regions of Attock to trace any remaining suspects, facilitators or accomplices who may have managed to escape.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the CTD for the successful operation against Fitna al Khawarij in Attock, Radio Pakistan reported.
The term Fitna al Khawarij is used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
In his statement, the prime minister praised the professionalism of the CTD and said that security forces, police and the department were achieving significant successes in the fight against terrorism.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations from the country.