The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Mardan Region has conducted an intelligence-based operation in the mountainous area of Katlang, targeting a suspected group of militants allegedly affiliated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to the CTD, the operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating that a group of suspected militants was present in the mountainous terrain of Babozai, Katlang, and was allegedly preparing to descend from the mountains to carry out a terrorist activity.
The operation resulted in the reported killing of two suspected militants, while other members of the group allegedly escaped under the cover of darkness.
According to the CTD Mardan Region, intelligence agencies had received credible information regarding the presence of a militant group in the mountainous range of Katlang. The intelligence reportedly indicated that the suspects were preparing an operation and intended to move down from their mountain hideout for terrorist purposes. Acting on the information, CTD Mardan Region initiated an intelligence-based operation in the Babozai mountainous area of Katlang. CTD personnel, including teams from Swat, moved toward the suspected location to intercept the militants and prevent any potential attack.
According to the CTD account, as the security teams reached the area, the suspected militants attempted to retreat toward the mountainous terrain and allegedly opened fire on the advancing personnel. The CTD personnel responded with effective retaliatory fire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Following the exchange, security personnel launched a search of the area. During the subsequent search operation, two suspected militants were found dead, while other members of the group reportedly took advantage of the darkness and escaped into the surrounding mountainous terrain.
The CTD said that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the two militants killed during the operation. The recovered material reportedly includes:
- Two submachine guns (SMGs)
- One hand grenade
- Six magazines
- Multiple rounds of ammunition
The weapons and ammunition have been taken into official custody for further investigation. The recovery is expected to assist investigators in determining the operational capabilities of the suspected militants and assessing whether the group was preparing to carry out an attack in or around Mardan.
The identities of the two deceased suspects are currently being established, according to the CTD. Investigators are also working to determine their alleged organizational affiliations, operational roles and connections with other militant elements.
The department is expected to examine the recovered weapons and other evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into the group’s activities and intended plans.
