KARACHI – In a major counterterrorism success, Karachi’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) gunned down three high-value members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – Fitna Al-Khawarij faction – during a fierce early-morning shootout in the Manghopir area on Monday.
The raid was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the presence of militants hiding in a residential house. As police approached the location, the suspects opened fire, triggering a gunfight that ended with all three terrorists killed.
According to CTD DSP Raja Umar Khattab, two of the slain militants have been identified as Zafran and Qudratullah. Zafran had a bounty of Rs. 20 million on his head. The third suspect, reportedly a suicide bomber, has yet to be identified. He is believed to have been involved in a past attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi.
Authorities recovered explosives, suicide vests, hand grenades, and a diary containing a hit list of potential targets. The house was cleared by the bomb disposal squad, and the police have launched an investigation into the property owner’s identity.
This operation comes amid a rise in terrorist incidents. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), May 2025 saw 85 militant attacks — a 5% increase from April — resulting in 113 deaths and 182 injuries nationwide. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected regions.
While militant groups remain largely contained, the spike in security personnel casualties and civilian injuries reflects the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism. The CTD’s successful raid in Karachi underscores the critical role of intelligence-led operations in disrupting high-profile threats.
