ISLAMABAD: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Pakistan’s Punjab province killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation on Saturday, successfully thwarting a terror plot in Taunsa Sharif.
According to a press release issued by the CTD, the operation was launched following “credible intelligence reports” about the presence of alleged armed terrorists in the area. Although the operation aimed to apprehend them, they opened fire on the CTD team, leading to a retaliatory crossfire.
The press release added that the exchange of heavy fire continued for several hours, during which five terrorists were eliminated, while five others sustained injuries and escaped into the nearby forest.
“The CTD teams acted swiftly and professionally, preventing what could have been a catastrophic attack,” the statement added.
During the operation, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) team recovered a cache of deadly weapons, including rifles, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a large quantity of ammunition, hand grenades, and other explosive materials.
The CTD statement emphasised that these recoveries highlighted the seriousness of the threat and the scale of the planned terrorist attack.
The statement further noted that a search operation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the injured terrorists who managed to flee the scene. To secure the area and prevent any further escapes, CTD teams have set up checkpoints near Romani, Taunsa. Meanwhile, the process of identifying the deceased terrorists is currently underway.
The CTD has been “continuously operating against the terrorists attacking police posts in the area of Dera Ghazi Khan”, the statement added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised the Punjab Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for successfully eliminating five terrorists linked to Fitna-e-Hindustan (terrorist groups and organisations operating in Balochistan).
In his statement, Naqvi said, “Once again, Punjab Police and CTD have sent five terrorists of Fitna-e-Hindustan to hell through a successful operation.”
The minister commended the professionalism of the police and CTD teams and expressed full confidence in their abilities. “We are proud of the brave and professional officers of Punjab Police and CTD,” he said.
Naqvi affirmed that the pursuit of these terrorists will continue wherever they may be. “Our security forces will not allow any safe haven for the enemies of peace,” he declared.
He further noted that Punjab Police and CTD have a strong track record of bold and effective action against terrorists.
In May, the Punjab CTD said it foiled a “major terror plot” by arresting 34 alleged terrorists of banned organisations during 415 intelligence-based operations across the province.
