KARACHI – In a major counterterrorism operation, three suspected members ofthe banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – Fitna Al-Khawarij – weregunned down during a police encounter in Karachi’s Manghopir area earlyMonday, officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) confirmed.
The raid was launched following intelligence reports indicating thepresence of wanted militants hiding in a residential house in the area. AsCTD personnel surrounded the premises, the suspects opened fire, promptinga fierce gun battle that ended with the deaths of all three militants.
Speaking outside Civil Hospital, CTD Deputy Superintendent of Police RajaUmar Khattab said that two of the slain individuals had been identified asZafran and Qudratullah. Zafran, he added, was a high-value target with abounty of Rs20 million on his head. The identity of the third militant isyet to be confirmed.
According to CTD sources, one of the dead suspects was a trained suicidebomber suspected of involvement in last year’s deadly attack targetingChinese nationals in Karachi.
Security forces recovered a cache of weapons from the site, includingsuicide vests, hand grenades, explosives, and a diary containing a list ofpotential targets. A bomb disposal unit later swept the area to ensure itwas clear of further threats.
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DSP Khattab stated that all terrorists present in the house wereneutralized and authorities are now investigating the ownership of theproperty where the militants had taken refuge.
The operation marks a significant blow to the TTP’s Karachi network, assecurity agencies continue efforts to dismantle militant hideouts acrossthe city.