The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Swat Region, in coordination with district police, killed three suspected terrorists allegedly affiliated with the Muzaffar alias Khalid group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in the Sakhadob area, within the jurisdiction of Kanju Police Station, in Swat district in the early hours of Thursday.
According to the CTD, two other suspects fled the scene during the operation, and a search is underway to locate and apprehend them. Security personnel also recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, six magazines, multiple rounds of ammunition, a gas cylinder, cooking utensils, a map of Shakardara Police Station and a diary from the premises where the suspects had taken cover.
The operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating that suspected members of the Muzaffar alias Khalid group were present in the Segram, Lalu Banda and adjoining mountainous areas within the jurisdiction of Kanju Police Station, allegedly planning terrorist activities.
According to the CTD Swat Region, specialised teams were organised and equipped before launching the operation in coordination with district police to apprehend the suspects. During the operation in Sakhadob, the suspected terrorists allegedly opened fire upon seeing the approaching security personnel. The personnel responded, prompting the suspects to take cover inside a nearby house, from where they continued firing.
Security personnel maintained their positions and returned fire as the engagement continued. After the firing stopped, a search of the house led to the recovery of three bodies, while two suspects had escaped, the CTD said. The identities of the three deceased were established through national identity cards recovered during searches, according to the department.
The CTD identified the deceased as:
- Abdullah, son of Syed Bashar, a resident of Neelagram, Matta, Swat.
- Mansoor Ali, son of Abdul Matlub, a resident of Neelagram, Matta, Swat.
- Ghufranullah, son of Afzal Khan, a resident of Sheedala, Shakardara, Swat.
The department stated that all three were residents of Swat district and allegedly belonged to the Muzaffar alias Khalid group of the TTP.
During the search of the premises, security personnel recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, six magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition, according to the CTD. A gas cylinder and utensils reportedly used for cooking were also found at the location. In addition, personnel recovered a map of Shakardara Police Station and a diary. The department did not provide further details about the contents of the diary or the specific purpose of the recovered map. Their significance, if any, remains subject to further investigation. The recovery of the weapons and other items will form part of the investigation into the suspects’ alleged activities and their possible links with other individuals or networks.
According to preliminary information shared by the CTD, the three deceased suspects were allegedly involved in several terrorist incidents reported in Swat during the current year.
These reportedly included a firing attack targeting Afzal Khan Gujar, firing incidents at the residence and hujra of Nemat Ali Khan, and the targeted killing of Saleemullah, alias Sajid, in Neelagram, along with other incidents. The allegations are part of the department’s preliminary account of the operation. Further investigation would be required to establish the circumstances of the reported incidents and the individual roles allegedly played by the deceased.
The search for the two suspects who allegedly escaped during the operation is continuing, according to the CTD. Further investigation into the incident is also underway. Security personnel are pursuing leads to locate the fugitives and determine whether other individuals were involved in the suspected network’s activities.
The department has not announced any further arrests in connection with the operation.
