The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab killed five militants in an intelligence-based operation in the remote Mankoor border area of Jand tehsil on Tuesday, officials said, averting what authorities described as plans for terrorist attacks in the province.
Operation Details
As per the sources, the operation was launched late Monday night after the department received credible and sensitive intelligence regarding the presence of militants allegedly linked to planning for attacks across Punjab. The Mankoor locality lies on the sensitive Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, an area known for its rugged terrain and proximity to key security installations almost 95 km away from Attock, the district headquarters.
The CTD team moved into the designated area and was ambushed as the suspects opened fire upon spotting law enforcement personnel, the sources said. An intense exchange of gunfire ensued between the militants and the CTD team. Responding with precision, CTD personnel neutralised all five suspected terrorists during the encounter. No casualties among security forces were reported.
Recoveries and Investigation
Following the operation, a search of the site yielded a significant cache of arms and explosives. The sources confirmed that weapons, explosive material, and hand grenades were recovered from the possession of the slain militants. Initial findings suggest that the deceased were connected to a broader network planning coordinated terrorist activities targeting Punjab.
The operation was carried out on the basis of actionable intelligence reports about their movements and operational planning, the sources said, emphasising that the swift action prevented potential loss of civilian and security personnel lives.
Security Measures
In the aftermath of the raid, authorities have initiated a wider search and combing operation across Attock's border regions. Security forces are tracing possible facilitators, accomplices, and any remaining suspects who may have escaped during the raid. Checkpoints have been strengthened and surveillance increased along the Punjab-KP border to prevent cross-border movement of militants.
Law enforcement officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks operating in the border belt.
