The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) gunned down two high-profile Khawarij in a fierce gun battle in the Kundian area of Mianwali, while six of their accomplices escaped under the cover of darkness.
According to CTD officials, the operation was conducted on the basis of actionable intelligence indicating the presence of the armed group in the area. Upon being challenged, the Khawarij opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a sustained exchange that ended with two of them being killed on the spot. Six others, however, managed to flee taking advantage of poor visibility.
Authorities said the slain Khawarij were involved in multiple acts of subversion and targeted attacks, and were on the CTD’s most-wanted list. Their identities are being verified through forensic means. The escapees are being pursued through a coordinated search operation in adjoining localities, with additional forces deployed to seal possible exit routes.
A CTD spokesperson reaffirmed the department’s resolve to dismantle networks of the Khawarij across Punjab, stating that such intelligence-based actions would continue until the last hideout of these elements is eliminated.
