Four ISKP terrorists, including Islamabad Imambargah attack mastermind, killed in Peshawar IBO

Five terrorists belonging to the banned group of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were shot dead in an exchange of fire with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel in the vicinity of Shamshatoo Camp in Peshawar on Thursday.

As per the Counter Terrorism Department, reliable intelligence revealed the presence of ISKP terrorists at a compound near the Kabul English Language Centre where they were allegedly planning some serious terror activities, including bombing of sensitive installations, Imambargahs and churches.

Once the intelligence was confirmed by the CTD, CTD SWAT teams surrounded the compound on all sides and secured all possible entry and exit points. Since the compound also had a basement, therefore, the CTD personnel used a cautious approach for the operation.

The terrorists opened fire on the CTD personnel with an intention to kill them. The security personnel took cover and returned fire, in which five terrorists were killed. A drone was also used in the operation.

Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) and forensic team were also called to the scene where they collected the evidence and conducted necessary procedures.

According to the CTD, SMG, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, a locally fabricated IED, and a substantial amount of ammunition were seized from the bodies of the dead militants.

Two out of these five militants were identified by means of identity cards found on them. These militants were Imran son of Dilawar Khan, who belonged to Tarkho Katkoot, Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district, and Shahidullah son of Miraj, belonging to Sheikh Baba Charta of Upper Mohmand. The identities of three other militants were under investigation.

The CTD confirmed that Imran, Abdullah, Bilal and Abu Bakar were highly wanted terrorists responsible for 20 cases of bomb blasts, target killings, and other terrorist activities in Peshawar and other areas.

It is reported by the department that Imran was the mind behind IED and vehicle borne IED attacks, target killings of policemen and political figures, and suicide attacks on police and security personnel.