Five militants linked to the outlawed Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were killed during a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operation near Shamshatoo Camp on Thursday.
According to the CTD, intelligence indicated that the militants had gathered at a compound near the Kabul English Language Centre. Authorities suspected the group of planning major attacks against sensitive locations, Imambargahs and churches.
Following the intelligence report, CTD SWAT teams surrounded the compound and blocked its entry and exit points. Since the building also contained a basement, officers adopted a cautious approach during the operation.
CTD Operation Kills Five Militants
The CTD said the militants opened fire when personnel entered the compound. Officers took cover and returned fire, killing five suspects.
Meanwhile, a drone helped security personnel monitor movements inside the compound during the operation.
After the encounter, the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) and forensic teams reached the site. They secured evidence and completed the required legal and technical procedures.
Authorities recovered an SMG, four pistols, two hand grenades and five magazines. They also found a locally made improvised explosive device (IED) and a large quantity of ammunition.
Two Militants Identified
Officials identified two of the slain militants through identity cards found at the scene.
The CTD identified one as Imran, alias Abdullah, son of Dilawar Khan, from Tarkho Katkoot in Bajaur’s Mamund tehsil. Another militant was identified as Shahidullah, son of Miraj, from Sheikh Baba Charta in Upper Mohmand.
Authorities continued efforts to establish the identities of the remaining three militants.
The CTD described Imran, Bilal and Abu Bakar as highly wanted terrorists. The department linked them to around 20 cases involving bomb blasts, target killings and other terrorist activities across Peshawar and other districts.
CTD Links Imran to Major Attacks
According to the CTD, Imran played a key role in IED and vehicle-borne IED attacks. The department also linked him to attacks targeting police officers, political leaders and security personnel.
The CTD further alleged that Imran took part in the killings of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah and Rehan Zeb.
Authorities also linked him to the February 6 suicide attack on an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad.
The department alleged that Imran arranged a suicide jacket from Bajaur and transported the bomber from Nowshera to Tarlai. Shahidullah allegedly conducted reconnaissance and identified the Imambargah as the target.
The attack during Friday prayers killed 32 people and injured around 169 others.
The government had announced a Rs12 million reward for information leading to Imran’s arrest or confirming his whereabouts. The CTD also linked him to a 2023 suicide attack targeting a JUI-F workers’ convention in Bajaur.
Search Operation Continues
Following the encounter, authorities continued search and clearance operations around the area.
The CTD said further legal proceedings are also underway as investigators examine the recovered weapons, explosives and other evidence.
Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD SWAT personnel for their courage, morale and professional performance during the operation.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
