In a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO), the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Mardan and Swabi District Police successfully neutralized two highly wanted terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officials said on Monday.
According to a CTD press release, the operation was launched in the Shado Dherai area near Ajmer Shah Hill, based on credible intelligence reports. During the operation, four militants riding on two motorcycles opened fire on the law enforcement personnel with the intent to kill. In response, the CTD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team returned fire in self-defence.
A fierce gun battle ensued, lasting approximately 35 minutes. Two of the attackers were killed on the spot, while the remaining two managed to escape under the cover of darkness. A search and strike operation has been launched in the surrounding area to track down the fleeing militants.
Initial identification of the deceased confirmed their affiliation with the TTP’s Tayyab Akbar group. Both individuals were on the police’s most-wanted list for their involvement in multiple terror incidents, including targeted attacks on law enforcement.
One of the slain militants, Nauman alias “Maany,” son of Makin Shah, was a resident of Swabi and was wanted in several cases, including the targeted killing of Constable Jamaluddin and Driver Constable Zahid. His charges included murder, attempted murder, extortion, and terrorism.
The second militant, identified as Abdul Basit, son of Tilawat Shah, also a Swabi resident, had a known association with the banned outfit and was wanted in multiple FIRs; including cases registered under Sections 302, 324, 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Weapons Recovered:
From the possession of the deceased militants, law enforcement recovered:
One Kalashnikov rifle
One pistol
Six magazines
23 live rounds
Two hand grenades
Two mobile phones
Two TTP identification cards
Authorities said additional personnel from the police and CTD have been deployed to the area to continue search operations for the escaped suspects.
