PESHAWAR – Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) operation near Shamsto Camp in the Armar area resulted in killing of five terrorists, including senior commander of ISIS-K (Daesh-K), according to officials.
The commander was identified as Imran alias Abu Bakr, whom authorities described as key ISIS-K operative wanted in 20 terrorism-related cases, including bomb blasts and targeted killings. Officials said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that the militants were allegedly planning major attacks targeting sensitive institutions, imambargahs and churches.
The operation ended with the deaths of five alleged terrorists, while authorities said a substantial cache of weapons and explosives was recovered from their possession. The recovered items included one light machine gun, four pistols, two hand grenades, one improvised explosive device (IED), five magazines and a large quantity of ammunition.
CTD said Imran alias Abu Bakr had been declared a wanted fugitive in connection with 20 cases involving terrorism, bomb attacks and targeted killings. Authorities further alleged that he was wanted in connection with the February 6, 2026 suicide bombing at the Tarlai Imambargah, as well as cases involving the deaths of Maulana Khan Zeb, Senator Hidayatullah and Rehan Zeb.
Investigators allege that Imran played a key logistical role in the Tarlai attack, including arranging a suicide vest from Bajaur and transporting the alleged suicide attacker from Nowshera to Tarlai.
CTD said a Rs12 million reward had been announced for information leading to Imran’s arrest or information about his whereabouts. His death marks major development in the authorities’ efforts to disrupt the alleged operational network of ISIS-K in the region.
After the operation, security personnel launched further search and clearance operations in the area to determine whether other militants or weapons caches remain hidden nearby. Officials said the operation and subsequent search activity are continuing.
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