Four suspected militants killed in overnight CTD raid in Karachi

KARACHI: At least four suspected terrorists were killed in an overnight counter-terrorism operation by CTD in Karachi, police said on Tuesday, as security forces carried out a targeted raid against alleged extremist elements.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Sindh Police said officers raided a house in Shah Latif Town following leads obtained from militants arrested last month with explosive material.

CTD officials said that as the police team entered the premises, the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire. Four militants were killed during the shootout, reportedly as a result of firing by their own associates.

Two CTD personnel — Head Constable Muhammad Yousuf and Sepoy Raja Junaid — sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

Deputy Inspector General of CTD police Azfar Mahesar said one militant died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their wounds before reaching hospital.

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Police identified three of the deceased as Jalil, Niyaz and Hamdan, while efforts were under way to confirm the identity of the fourth. Several accomplices managed to escape during the operation.

After the raid, police launched a search operation under a security cordon to track down those who fled.

Authorities said a large quantity of weapons and explosives was recovered from the house, including five hand grenades, a sub-machine gun and other firearms.

Bomb disposal experts were called in to defuse explosive material safely. Investigators said initial evidence suggested improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were being prepared at the property, with detonators, wiring and electronic circuits also seized.

Police said investigations were continuing and described the raid as part of wider efforts to dismantle militant networks operating in the city.