Four Militants Killed in Peshawar CTD Encounter

PESHAWAR: At least four suspected terrorists were killed during a counterterrorism operation in Peshawar on Wednesday night, according to the CTD spokesperson, as security forces acted on intelligence about the movement of armed militants in the Budh Bher area.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said it had received information about members of the internationally proscribed group referred to by Pakistani authorities as Fitna-ul-Khawarij. Intelligence suggested that a commander identified as Tahir, alias Muawiya, along with several associates, was moving through the area.

According to officials, Tahir was a resident of Shakas in Khyber District and had allegedly been involved in planning attacks against members of the public and affluent individuals, as well as efforts to challenge the government’s writ and create fear.

Acting on the intelligence, CTD Peshawar deployed special SWAT teams and established ambush points along possible routes used by the suspects to enter or leave the area.

During the operation, police personnel signalled two motorcycle riders to stop. The suspects reportedly abandoned their motorcycles and opened fire on the CTD team. Officers returned fire, leading to an intense exchange that continued for around 20 to 30 minutes.

After the firing stopped, security personnel searched the site and nearby areas. Four suspected terrorists were found dead, while several others reportedly escaped under the cover of darkness. Authorities have launched a search operation to track down the fleeing suspects.

Officials said three submachine guns, a pistol, hand grenades, magazines and ammunition were recovered from the scene. Two motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects were also taken into custody.

The CTD said an Afghan identity card was recovered from one of the deceased suspects, who was reportedly from Kunar province in Afghanistan. The identities of all those killed are being verified.

Crime Scene Unit and Bomb Disposal Unit personnel were called to the location to collect forensic evidence and examine the scene.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said security operations against militants would continue and vowed that terrorists and their facilitators would not be allowed to undermine peace and law and order in the province.