KARACHI: In a major counterterrorism breakthrough, three militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and intelligence agencies in Karachi’s Manghopir area late Sunday night.
One of the slain terrorists, identified as Zafran, carried a bounty of Rs20 million and was allegedly involved in the November 5, 2024, attack on Chinese engineers at a textile mill in Karachi. Two Chinese nationals were seriously injured in that shooting incident. Zafran was also suspected of being linked to the assault on the Karachi Police Office (KPO).
CTD Chief Raja Umar Khattab confirmed that the operation was launched based on credible intelligence, targeting a TTP hideout in Fatima Society on Ijtema Gah Road. As police approached the location, the terrorists opened fire, sparking a fierce gunbattle that lasted over an hour.
Police recovered a fully assembled suicide vest, three grenades, a Kalashnikov rifle, two pistols, and a substantial stock of ammunition. A diary was also seized, reportedly containing details of two to three high-value targets.
The second terrorist was identified as Qudratullah, while the third’s identity is still being verified. According to CTD, the militants were part of a five-member TTP cell that had infiltrated from Afghanistan. Only three members were present at the hideout during the raid. A follow-up search operation is currently underway.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi earlier pledged to enhance the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, stressing their protection as a top government priority—particularly in light of vital China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The successful operation marks a significant step in disrupting TTP activity in Karachi.
