International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Islamabad, August 28: Four suspected militants were killed during an operation conducted by Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Peshawar on Thursday, according to local reports. The encounter took place in the Mirakchori area, where CTD personnel engaged a group of suspected militants in a gun battle at the Mehr Gul Kale cemetery.

The operation was reportedly launched after security officials received information about the presence of suspected militants in the area. CTD personnel moved into the location and an armed confrontation subsequently broke out at the cemetery. Four suspects were killed during the exchange of fire, while several other suspected militants reportedly managed to escape from the scene.

Security forces have launched a search operation in the surrounding area to trace the fleeing suspects. Officials are examining the location and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into the identities, movements and possible activities of the group.

A significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was reportedly recovered from the site following the encounter. According to local media reports, security personnel recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, a hand grenade, seven magazines and a large quantity of ammunition from the scene. The recovery of the weapons has prompted investigators to examine whether the suspects were preparing to carry out an attack or were connected with a wider militant network operating in the region.

A police official identified one of the deceased suspects as Syed Wali, a resident of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan. An Afghan refugee card was reportedly recovered from his possession. The discovery has added another dimension to the investigation, with Pakistani authorities examining his movements between Afghanistan and Pakistan and his possible links with militant organisations.

Preliminary police assessments suggest that Syed Wali may have been among three suspected suicide attackers who had entered Pakistan from Afghanistan. However, investigators are expected to conduct further inquiries before establishing the exact role of the deceased suspect and determining whether the group was preparing for a suicide attack or another form of militant activity.

According to police sources, some of the other suspected militants opened fire while fleeing during the encounter. Security personnel subsequently launched a search operation across the surrounding area in an effort to locate and apprehend them. The operation was continuing as authorities intensified surveillance in the region.

Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced recurring security challenges involving militant groups, making counter-terrorism operations a regular part of the security forces' activities. Authorities have repeatedly warned of attempts by armed groups to exploit border routes and establish networks inside Pakistan.

The latest encounter has therefore drawn attention not only because of the number of militants killed but also because of the reported recovery of weapons and the identification of an Afghan national among the deceased. Investigators are expected to examine the recovered weapons, ammunition and documents for further clues about the suspects' identities and possible affiliations.

The presence of an Afghan refugee card in Syed Wali's possession is also likely to become an important part of the investigation. Officials will seek to determine when he entered Pakistan, where he had been staying and whether he had established contact with other suspected militants operating in the region.

Security forces have continued their search operation for the suspects who reportedly escaped from the encounter. Police and CTD personnel are checking nearby areas and gathering information that could help identify their whereabouts.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the identities of the remaining suspects or whether any security personnel or civilians were injured during the gun battle. Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.

The Peshawar operation highlights the continuing security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in tracking suspected militant networks. With four suspects killed, several weapons recovered and a search underway for those who escaped, the investigation is now focused on establishing the full network behind the group and determining whether they were planning an imminent attack.