karachi 28 July 2025( Kamran Raja): A significant counter-terrorism success, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh carried out a pre-dawn intelligence-based operation in the Manghopir area of Karachi, eliminating a key suicide bombing cell affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Fitna Al-Khawarij.
The targeted operation, launched on credible intelligence reports, resulted in the killing of three suspected militants who engaged CTD personnel in a fierce gun battle. Among the deceased were two identified individuals Zafran, a high-value target carrying a Rs. 20 million bounty, and Qudratullah. The third suspect remains unidentified.
Initial assessments suggest one of the neutralized terrorists was a trained suicide bomber, potentially linked to last year’s attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi.
The raid led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and explosives, including:
Suicide vests
Hand grenades
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
A diary containing a list of high-profile targets
The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) conducted a thorough clearance operation at the site, ensuring the area is now secure.
Speaking to the media, CTD Deputy Superintendent Raja Umar Khattab confirmed that the militants had been operating from the location for an extended period. Investigations are underway to trace the owner of the property used as the hideout.
This successful operation comes amid a slight uptick in militant activities across the country. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), May 2025 witnessed an increase in attacks 85 incidents compared to 81 in April with 113 fatalities and 182 injuries recorded nationwide.
While the number of attacks increased by only 5%, fatalities among security forces surged by 73%, and civilian injuries rose by 145%, underscoring the evolving nature of the threat.
Despite heightened regional tensions, militant groups have largely remained contained, thanks to continued operations by Pakistani security agencies. In May alone, security forces successfully eliminated 59 militants in various operations across the country.