LAHORE: Two militants, including a key commander, were killed in an exchange of fire between the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) and suspected terrorists in the tribal mountainous region of Koh-e-Sulaiman in Punjab, officials said.
According to the CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched on the basis of credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of a group of militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group, reportedly comprising 12 to 15 armed individuals, had entered the tribal area of Tumman Qaisrani through the border regions of Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants were said to be planning terrorist activities in the populated areas of Tehsil Koh-e-Sulaiman, Vahuwa, and Taunsa.
Acting on the intelligence, the CTD deployed special teams equipped with modern weapons, surveillance equipment, and drone technology. The personnel carried out overnight surveillance in the difficult mountainous terrain near Jandoga, in the Kachi Goru-Lakhni area. During the daytime, the presence of suspected militants was confirmed using drones and other advanced means, after which an exchange of fire took place.
As a result of the crossfire, two unidentified militants were killed on the spot, while two others sustained injuries. The identification process of the deceased is underway. Following the casualties, the remaining militants managed to flee, taking advantage of the rugged terrain and natural cover, while carrying their injured companions.
The CTD spokesperson stated that intelligence-based search and sweep operations are ongoing to trace and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
