At least three militants linked to a banned outfit were killed in an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Shabqadar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Wednesday.

According to CTD officials, the raid was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the area.

A gun battle ensued during the operation, resulting in the deaths of three “high-value” targets, the officials added.

One of the deceased was identified as Hayat Khan alias Hayatullah, who was wanted in connection with the targeted killing of Maulana Izzatullah and was a proclaimed offender.

The second militant, Asim, was allegedly involved in multiple attacks targeting police personnel and religious leaders in the Khyber district, the officials said.

The third deceased was identified as Aminullah alias Muawiya alias Qari.

CTD authorities said that three Kalashnikov rifles, hand grenades, and other weapons and ammunition were recovered from the scene.

Officials added that several militants managed to flee during the exchange of fire, prompting a search and clearance operation in the surrounding areas.