Peshawar CTD operation kills five militants including key ISKP commander

A Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) operation in the Armar area near Shamshatoo Camp in Peshawar resulted in the deaths of five militants affiliated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

Among those killed was a key commander identified as Imran, also known as Abdullah or Abu Bakr. He was wanted in connection with 20 terrorism cases, including the killings of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah, and Rehan Zeb. Authorities also identified him as the alleged mastermind behind a suicide attack on an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad. Another militant killed, Shahidullah, was allegedly involved in conducting reconnaissance for that same attack.

During the operation, security forces recovered a submachine gun, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, an improvised explosive device (IED), and various amounts of ammunition. The CTD stated the group had been planning attacks against churches, Imambargahs, and other sensitive installations. A search and clearance operation continued in the area following the engagement.