.
BANNU:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkwa (KP) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday neutralized six terrorists in Lakki Marwat district during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO). The CTD also recovered weapons and ammunition during the operation.
According to official sources, Bannu CTD region carried out the operation in Shagei area within Gambila police station limits after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.
During the operation, the militants opened fire on the CTD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team who returned fire, and the exchange continued for nearly 40 minutes.
After the shooting stopped, a search operation in the area led to the discovery of the bodies of six terrorists. Initial reports indicate that the process of identifying the slain terrorists is underway, after which action will also be taken against their facilitators and accomplices.
The CTD also recovered a cache of weapons from the possession of the terrorists, including four Kalashnikov rifles with 10 magazines and 43 cartridges; two 9mm pistols with four magazines and seven cartridges; eight hand grenades; four shoulder straps and an improvised explosive device (IED)
KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional IG CTD congratulated the CTD for the successful operation, commending their professionalism, courage and timely action.
The provincial police chief said that officers who fight against terrorists to defend the country and ensure peace are a valuable asset, adding that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain and the KP Police will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Later, the President and the Prime Minister also congratulated the law enforcement agencies.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the courage, professionalism and timely action of the CTD team in eliminating six terrorists.
He reiterated that the operations against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, “who are active with external support”, were very important for peace in the country, adding that the state was confronting all external and internal threats of terrorism with all its might.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the officers and staff of CTD for successfully carrying out an operation against terrorists and praised their professional abilities.
According to him, this successful action reflects the commitment and preparation of law enforcement in the fight against terrorism. Shehbaz Sharif said the war against terrorism would continue until it was completely eradicated from the country.
“The entire nation is proud of the sacrifices and dedication of the security forces and law enforcement,” he added.
