According to the CTD, the ‘most-wanted’ militants were involved in several acts of terrorism, including an attack on a police post and other terror-related activities.

Law enforcement agencies had been actively searching for them.

Officials said that during the operation, six Kalashnikov rifles, three hand grenades, and other weapons and ammunition were recovered from their possession.

The CTD identified the slain militants as Khaleel-ur-Rehman alias Saddam, Najamuddin alias Abu Jana, and Kifayatullah, while efforts are underway to confirm the identities of three others.

Officials added that some militants managed to flee during the operation, and a search operation has been launched to arrest them.

Following the success of the operation, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Additional IG CTD lauded the personnel involved for their professionalism and performance.

The Additional IG CTD said that all possible measures were being taken to protect the lives and property of citizens, adding that operations against militant elements would continue without discrimination.

He further said that law enforcement agencies were determined to bring all wanted militants to justice.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has commended the Counter Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and police personnel for a successful operation against militants in the Lower Dir region.

The minister praised the professional competence of CTD and police teams after six terrorists were killed during the operation.

He said the brave personnel had thwarted the militants’ nefarious designs through their courage and effective action.

“The nation is proud of the brave officers and personnel of the CTD and police,” Naqvi said, paying tribute to their role in protecting public safety and maintaining peace in the province.