PESHAWAR: Five suspected militants belonging to the outlawed Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), including the alleged mastermind of the deadly Islamabad imambargah suicide bombing, were killed during an intelligence-based operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on the outskirts of Peshawar on Thursday.
According to the CTD, intelligence indicated that ISKP militants were present at a compound near the Kabul English Language Centre in the Shamshatoo Camp area. The group was allegedly planning major attacks targeting sensitive installations, imambargahs and churches.
Following verification of the information, CTD SWAT teams surrounded the compound and secured its entry and exit points. Officials said the presence of a basement prompted personnel to proceed cautiously while entering the building.
The CTD said the militants opened fire on its personnel, who took cover and returned fire. Five suspected militants were killed in the ensuing exchange. A drone was also deployed to monitor movement inside and around the compound during the operation.
Bomb disposal and forensic teams subsequently reached the site to collect evidence and complete legal and technical procedures.
According to the CTD, security personnel recovered a submachine gun, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, a locally manufactured improvised explosive device and a large quantity of ammunition.
Two of the five slain militants were identified through identity documents found at the scene. They were identified as Imran, son of Dilawar Khan, from Tarkho Katkoot in Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district, and Shahidullah, son of Miraj, from Sheikh Baba Charta in Upper Mohmand. Authorities were working to establish the identities of the other three.
The CTD described Imran, also known as Abdullah, Bilal and Abu Bakar, as a highly wanted militant allegedly linked to around 20 cases involving bombings, targeted killings and other terrorist attacks in Peshawar and other districts.
Investigators alleged that Imran had planned improvised explosive device and vehicle-borne explosive attacks, targeted police personnel and political figures, and organised suicide attacks against police and security forces.
The CTD also linked him to the killings of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah and Rehan Zeb. According to the department, Imran was allegedly present with other militants during the attack on Rehan Zeb and participated in the shooting.
Most significantly, the CTD identified Imran as the alleged mastermind of the February 6 suicide bombing at an imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad. He was also wanted by the Islamabad CTD in connection with the attack.
Investigators said Imran had arranged a suicide vest from Bajaur and transported the suicide bomber from Nowshera to Tarlai. Shahidullah was accused of conducting reconnaissance and identifying the imambargah as the target.
At least 32 people were killed and around 169 others wounded when a suicide bomber attacked Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers in February.
According to the CTD, the government had announced a reward of Rs12 million for information leading to Imran’s arrest or location. He was also allegedly linked to the 2023 suicide bombing at a JUI-F workers’ convention in Bajaur.
Further legal proceedings are underway, while security personnel continue search and clearance operations in the area.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD SWAT personnel involved in the operation for their courage, professionalism and performance.
