The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Peshawar Region has eliminated five terrorists of the proscribed Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), including a key commander, during an operation near Shamshatoo Camp in the limits of Urmar police station.
The operation was carried out at a compound of the Kabul English Language Centre, where the terrorists were reportedly planning major attacks targeting sensitive installations, Imambargahs and churches, according to the CTD.
Among those eliminated was key ISKP commander Imran alias Abdullah, along with Bilal and Abu Bakr. Another terrorist was identified as Shahidullah, son of Miraj, a resident of Upper Mohmand. The identification of the remaining terrorists is under way.
Security personnel recovered an SMG, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, a locally made improvised explosive device and several rounds of ammunition from the terrorists.
According to the CTD, Imran alias Abu Bakr was a wanted terrorist facing around 20 terrorism cases registered in Islamabad and other districts. He was also wanted in cases involving the martyrdom of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah and Rehan Zeb.
The CTD said Imran was also involved in the February 6, 2026 suicide attack on an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad. Investigators found that he had arranged a suicide vest from Bajaur and transported the suicide bomber from Nowshera to Tarlai, while Shahidullah conducted reconnaissance and identified the target for the attack.
Imran was also wanted in connection with the 2023 suicide bombing at a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) workers’ convention in Bajaur. A reward of Rs12 million had been announced for information leading to his arrest or whereabouts.
The latest CTD operation has disrupted a group that, according to investigators, was allegedly preparing further attacks against vulnerable religious sites and other sensitive targets in Peshawar.
The recovery of an IED, grenades, automatic weapons and ammunition indicates the operational capability of the group and the potential threat posed by the terrorists at the compound.
The CTD said the identification of the remaining terrorists is continuing, while a search and clearance operation remains under way in the surrounding area to locate any additional members, weapons or explosives linked to the network.
