ATTOCK(National Times)- The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday said that it had killed five alleged terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the border area of Mankor, a remote locality in Attock district’s Jand tehsil.

According to a CTD spokesperson, security personnel launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence and activities of terrorists allegedly involved in planning terrorist attacks in Punjab.

As the CTD team moved in, the suspected terrorists reportedly opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire with law enforcement personnel.

The spokesperson said CTD officers responded effectively, resulting in the killing of all five individuals.

A cache of weapons, explosive material and hand grenades was recovered from the site following the operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the slain individuals were allegedly linked to plans for carrying out terrorist activities in Punjab, the spokesperson said.

The operation was conducted on the basis of sensitive intelligence reports concerning their movements and operational planning, he added.

The spokesperson said authorities had launched an extensive search operation in the border regions of Attock to locate any remaining terrorists, facilitators or accomplices who may have escaped during the raid.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the department for the successful operation against Fitna al Khawarij in Attock, according to Radio Pakistan.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

In his statement, he lauded the CTD’s professionalism and said that security forces, police and the department were achieving significant successes in the war against terrorism.

He expressed resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations from the country.