ATTOCK: At least five suspected militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation carried out by Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the border area of Attock, officials said on Tuesday.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation led to a heavy exchange of fire between security personnel and the suspects.
The militants reportedly opened fire on the CTD team during the raid. Security forces returned fire, resulting in the deaths of five suspects on the spot.
Officials said weapons, explosives, and hand grenades were recovered from the scene.
Security sources said the killed militants were planning major attacks in Punjab. They were identified through intelligence reports prior to the operation.
A search operation was also launched in nearby border areas to arrest possible facilitators and any suspects who may have escaped.
Authorities said the identification process of the killed militants is currently underway, while further investigations continue.
Officials added that operations will continue without interruption to maintain law and order and counter terrorism threats across the province.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the CTD for the successful operation. He commended the force for eliminating five militants during the action.
He said security forces, police, and CTD were achieving significant success in the fight against terrorism. He added that the nation remained committed to the complete elimination of terrorism from the country.
