Four Pakistani Taliban Militants Killed in CTD Operation in Peshawar

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Four armed militants affiliated with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by Pakistani authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed during an operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Budhni, Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to the Peshawar CTD, the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence reports about the movement of armed militants in the Budhni area.

Authorities said the dead included a suspected TTP commander, Tahir alias Muawiya, who was reportedly a resident of Shakas in Khyber district.

The CTD said Tahir, along with his associates, was allegedly patrolling the area with the intention of challenging the writ of the state, targeting members of the public and wealthy individuals, and carrying out terrorist activities.

Following the intelligence reports, the Peshawar CTD formed specialized SWAT teams and deployed personnel at possible entry and exit routes in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.

According to officials, the suspects were riding two motorcycles when police signaled them to stop. The men allegedly abandoned their motorcycles and opened fire on the police. CTD personnel returned fire while attempting to protect themselves and apprehend the suspects.

The CTD said the exchange of fire continued for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After the shooting stopped, police conducted a search of the area and nearby locations and recovered the bodies of four militants.

Officials said other armed suspects managed to escape under cover of darkness. A search operation is continuing in different parts of Budhni to locate and arrest them.

Weapons, Grenade and Afghan Identification Document Recovered

The CTD said three submachine guns, a pistol, a hand grenade, a mobile phone, three magazines and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the dead militants.

Police also seized the two motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.

During the search operation, officials said an Afghan tazkira, or national identity document, was recovered from the pocket of one of the dead men. The document was issued in the name of Aman Khan, son of Ali Khan, a resident of Kunar, Afghanistan.

The CTD said the photograph on the document appeared to match one of the deceased men. However, the document was taken into custody for further verification of the individual’s identity and authenticity.

Authorities said efforts were continuing to establish the identities of the other three dead militants.

Crime Scene Evidence Collected

Following the operation, the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) and Crime Scene Unit were called to the site to collect evidence and carry out the required technical and legal procedures.

Officials said the teams were collecting evidence and completing other necessary investigative procedures.

The CTD said a search operation was continuing in Budhni and adjoining areas to locate the militants who escaped.

Two Police Officers Wounded in Separate Attack

Separately, armed men reportedly opened fire on the Daudzai Police Post at Wazir Qala in Peshawar, wounding two police officers.

Officials said the injured officers were taken for medical treatment, while security was tightened in the area following the attack.

Senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officials praised the CTD personnel involved in the Budhni operation and encouraged officers and personnel for their actions.

Police officials said operations against militant elements would continue across the province to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of civilians.

They said militants and their facilitators would not be allowed to disrupt public order and that legal action would be taken against those involved in terrorist activities.