By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Five suspected militants were killed during a counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the border region of Attock, authorities said on Tuesday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the area who had allegedly completed plans to carry out attacks in different parts of Punjab. Acting on the information, law enforcement agencies launched a targeted operation.

Officials said the suspects opened fire when security personnel approached them, triggering an exchange of gunfire. Five militants were killed during the operation. Authorities identified the slain individuals as members of the group referred to by the Pakistani government as “Fitna-ul-Kharij.”

Security forces recovered a cache of weapons and explosives from the site, including one suicide vest, three submachine guns (SMGs), two hand grenades, ammunition, and other explosive materials.

The CTD stated that the militants were allegedly preparing attacks in various areas of Punjab and that their activities were being monitored through intelligence-led operations.

Authorities said the identification process of the deceased militants is underway, while additional search and sweep operations have been launched in the surrounding border areas to locate any remaining suspects or facilitators.

The spokesperson reiterated the CTD’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining public safety across the province.

“The Counter Terrorism Department Punjab remains committed to its mission of ensuring a safe and secure Punjab and eliminating the threat of terrorism,” the spokesperson said.

Citizens were urged to report any suspicious or terrorism-related activities through the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.