Peshawar: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police Tank killed three terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Bhitani group during a joint intelligence-based operation in the Garah Faqira area of Jandola Road within the jurisdiction of S.M.A. Police Station in Tank district, police said on Friday.
According to the CTD, the operation followed credible intelligence that terrorists were present in the area to carry out a major terrorist activity. When the joint team reached the location, the suspects opened fire with the intention to kill the personnel, prompting the security forces to retaliate. An exchange of fire continued for some time.
After the firing stopped, personnel conducted a search of the area and found three terrorists dead.
Police identified two of them as Usama, son of Sultan, and Suleman, son of Wali Muhammad, residents of Faqir Kalay in Jandola, while efforts were underway to establish the identity of the third terrorist.
The CTD said the killed terrorists were allegedly involved in several terrorist activities in the past. They had reportedly planted an improvised explosive device (IED) near Meera Alam Pump, whose explosion had killed two police personnel and a civilian, while seven people were injured.
The suspects had also allegedly planted IEDs along the main road in Wana Bazaar and on the roof of the office of Bilal, head of a local peace committee.
According to the CTD, Usama was the brother of Shoaib, a terrorist killed during the 2025 attack on Bannu Cantonment. Musa, who was killed in retaliatory fire after attacking police in Wana Bazaar, was also identified as Usama’s cousin.
The joint team recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, 11 magazines containing ammunition and a mobile phone from the possession of the deceased terrorists.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional Inspector General of CTD praised the personnel for their professionalism, courage and bravery during the operation.
They reiterated their resolve to continue effective operations against terrorism to protect the lives and property of the people across the province.