Security forces in Pakistan’s Punjab province killed five suspected terrorists during an exchange of fire with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) near the Attock border area, officials said on Tuesday.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched on intelligence-based information regarding the presence of terrorists in the region. When CTD teams moved in to apprehend the suspects, the individuals opened fire, triggering a heavy exchange.
Officials confirmed that all five suspected terrorists were killed in the encounter. Authorities identified them as members of what officials described as “Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” a term used by security agencies for outlawed militant elements.
Following the operation, CTD teams recovered suicide jackets, hand grenades, submachine guns (SMGs), ammunition, and explosives from the scene.
Authorities said the recovered material suggests the suspects were planning a potential attack, though investigations are ongoing to determine the exact nature of their intended targets and network.
Investigation underway
Officials added that efforts are currently underway to establish the identities of the deceased terrorists .
Security agencies are also investigating their possible affiliations and wider operational links, while a search operation has been launched in surrounding areas to trace any facilitators or accomplices who may have escaped.
PM Shehbaz lauds operation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the operation and congratulated the CTD and security forces for their action against militancy.
He stated that law enforcement agencies are achieving significant success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of extremism from the country.
