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BANNU:
Khyber-Pakhtunkwa (K-P) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized six terrorists in the Lakki Marwat district on Saturday during an intelligence-based operation (IBO). The CTD also recovered arms and ammunition during the operation.
According to official sources, the CTD Bannu region conducted the operation in the Shagei area within the limits of Gambila police station 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 which returned fire, and the exchange continued for nearly 40 minutes.
After the firing 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 terrorists’ possession, including four Kalashnikov rifles with 10 magazines and 43 rounds; two 9mm pistols with four magazines and seven rounds; eight hand grenades; four bandoliers and one improvised explosive device (IED)
K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and the CTD additional IG praised the CTD for the successful operation, commending their professionalism, courage and timely action.
The provincial police chief said that officers standing against terrorists to defend the country and ensure peace are a valuable asset, adding that the sacrifices of martyrs would not go in vain and that the K-P Police would continue their efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Later, both the president and the prime minister also lauded the law enforcers.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the bravery, professionalism, and timely action of the CTD team that eliminated six terrorists.
He reiterated that the operations against the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij, “who are active with external support,” were very significant for peace in the country, adding that the state was confronting all external and internal threats of terrorism with full force.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the officers and personnel of the CTD for carrying out a successful operation against terrorists and praised their professional capabilities
The successful action, he said, reflected the commitment and preparedness of the law enforcement agencies 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 agencies,” he added.
