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BANNU:
Khyber-Pakhtunkwa (KP) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized six terrorists in 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, CTD Bannu Region carried out the operation in Shagei area within the limits of Gambila Police Station after receiving credible information about 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 almost 40 minutes.
Once the shooting 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, following which action will also be taken against their facilitators and accomplices.
The CTD also recovered a cache of weapons from the possession of the terrorists, including four Kalashnikov rifles with 10 magazines and 43 bullets; two 9 mm pistols with four magazines and seven bullets; eight hand grenades; four bandits and an improvised explosive device (IED)
KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional IG of CTD commended the CTD for the successful operation and praised its professionalism, courage and timely action.
The provincial police chief said that the officers who stand against terrorists to defend the country and ensure peace are a valuable asset, adding that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not be in vain and the KP police will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Later, both the president and the prime minister also praised law enforcement officers.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the bravery, professionalism and timely action of the CTD team that eliminated six terrorists.
He reiterated that the operations against the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, “who act with external support”, were very important for peace in the country and added that the State confronts with all its strength all external and internal threats of terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the CTD officers and staff for carrying out a successful operation against terrorists and praised their professional capabilities.
The successful action, he said, reflects the commitment and preparedness of law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism. Shehbaz Sharif said that the war against terrorism will continue until it is 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.
