5 high-value militants killed in CTD operation near Attock

According to officials, a special facility has been introduced on the Punjab Emergency Helpline 15 to provide immediate psychological support.

LAHORE: In a major counterterrorism operation, the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) eliminated five highly dangerous militants during an intelligence-based operation near Attock, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to CTD sources, security agencies received credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants in a border area near Attock. The suspects were reportedly preparing attacks in different parts of Punjab and had finalized their operational plans.

Acting on the information, law enforcement personnel launched a targeted raid in the area. During the operation, the militants opened fire on the security team, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. As a result of the confrontation, all five militants were killed.

A CTD spokesperson stated that the deceased militants were affiliated with the banned extremist group commonly referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij.

Security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the militants’ possession, including a suicide vest, three submachine guns (SMGs), two hand grenades, ammunition, and other explosive materials. Officials said the recovered items indicate that the group was planning large-scale terrorist activities in Punjab.

The identification process of the slain militants is currently underway, while additional search operations have been launched in nearby border regions to locate any remaining accomplices.

The CTD spokesperson reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across Punjab, emphasizing that efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province will continue without interruption. Citizens were also urged to report any suspicious activities or information related to terrorism through the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.