PESHAWAR: At least five suspected terrorists were killed and one Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) official embraced martyrdom during an on-going operation against terror suspects inside a residential compound in Hayatabad area.
Three other police officers were also injured in the encounter between law enforcement agency and terrorists continued overnight till Tuesday morning.
The terror suspects were wanted for attacks on a judge and additional inspector-general of police, security sources said.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Army personnel are taking part in the operation alongside the police force.
Corps Commander of Peshawar Lt. General Shaheen Mazhar Mehmood visited the site of the operation earlier on Tuesday, where he lauded the professionalism of the security personnel.
Lt. General Mehmood told the forces that the routine lives of the residents of the neighbourhood should not be disrupted due to the operation.
He further instructed that assistance from the Special Services Group (SSG) may be sought if the need arises.
Funeral prayers for the martyred police officer Qamar Alam were offered at the Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines. The prayers were attended by KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Lieutenant General Mehmood and the IGP.
The operation against the terrorists started on Monday night when the police were informed about the presence of the militants in Sector 10 of Hayatabad’s Phase 7
The basement and ground floor of the house have been cleared by the authorities after an exchange of fire between the officials and the terrorists.
A wave of fear spread in the vicinity when heavy weapons were used. The adjacent area is cordoned off. Pakistan Army also participated in the operation that was being monitored by Corps Commander Shaheen Mazhar.
Earlier, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Qazi Jamilur Rehman informed that the operation – ongoing on the upper story of the house – has entered its final phase and requires some time for completion.
