PESHAWAR: Five militants of the Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) were killed in an operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) near Shamshatoo Camp in Peshawar, a statement said on Thursday.
According to a CTD statement, the operation was conducted at a compound in the limits of Urmar Police Station after CTD received information that ISKP militants were planning major terrorist attacks targeting sensitive installations, imambargahs and churches.
The statement said the CTD teams surrounded the compound and entered after securing all possible entry and exit points.
The militants opened indiscriminate fire on the personnel, prompting retaliatory fire.
Five terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire.
A drone was also used during the operation to monitor militant movement.
The CTD identified one of the slain militants as Imran alias Abdullah alias Bilal alias Abu Bakar, a commander and a proclaimed offender wanted in 20 cases involving bomb blasts, IED and VBIED attacks, target killings and other terrorist activities.
According to the CTD, Imran was directly involved in the killings of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah and Rehan Zeb.
He was also allegedly the mastermind of the February 6, 2026 suicide attack on an imambargah in Tarli, Islamabad.
The CTD said Imran had arranged a suicide jacket from Bajaur and transported the suicide bomber from Nowshera to Tarli. Another slain militant was identified as Shahidullah, son of Miraj. Imran was also wanted in connection with the 2023 suicide attack on a JUIF workers’ convention in Bajaur.
The government had announced a reward of Rs12 million for information leading to his arrest or whereabouts.
The militants were found in possession of an SMG, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, a locally made IED and several rounds of ammunition.
The CTD said Shahidullah, a resident of Upper Mohmand, was identified through an identity card recovered from his possession, while the identification of the remaining three militants was under way.
Bomb Disposal Unit and forensic teams examined the scene and secured evidence. Search and clearance operations were continuing in the area.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and the additional inspector general of CTD praised the teams for courage and professional performance.
