Three Militants Killed in Karachi CTD Operation, One Linked to Attack on Chinese Nationals
KARACHI: In a pre-dawn operation on Monday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized three suspected terrorists following an intense shootout in Karachi's Manghopir area. The raid, initiated on credible intelligence, targeted a house believed to be a hideout for members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — Fitna Al-Khawarij.
As CTD forces encircled the residence, the militants opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange that left all three suspects dead. DSP Raja Umar Khattab of the CTD confirmed the identities of two of the deceased as Zafran and Qudratullah, speaking to reporters outside Civil Hospital. Zafran, a high-value target, carried a government bounty of Rs20 million. The third militant remains unidentified.
Authorities stated that one of the slain individuals was a suicide bomber believed to have been involved in last year's attack targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi. The scene yielded a cache of explosives, suicide vests, hand grenades, and a diary reportedly containing a list of potential targets. Following the operation, the bomb disposal squad meticulously cleared the premises. DSP Khattab affirmed that all militants within the house were killed, and investigations are now focused on identifying the landlord of the property used by the terror suspects.
Pakistan Grapples with Persistent Militancy Amidst Regional Tensions
Pakistan witnessed a marginal increase in militant activities in May 2025, even as geopolitical tensions with India remained heightened, according to data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Systems (PICSS). While the overall number of attacks saw a modest 5% rise compared to April, increasing from 81 to 85, the figures underscore the enduring threat posed by extremist groups.
The PICSS monthly security assessment for May revealed 113 fatalities across the country, including 52 security personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. Additionally, 182 individuals sustained injuries. A concerning trend highlighted was the significant 73% surge in deaths among security forces personnel, emphasizing the dangers faced by the nation's armed forces. Civilian injuries also saw a sharp 145% increase, jumping from 53 in April to 130 in May, indicating the growing impact of militancy on the general populace.
In parallel, security forces conducted operations during May that resulted in the killing of at least 59 militants, though five security personnel also lost their lives in these encounters. The combined casualty toll for May, encompassing both militant attacks and security operations, reached 172.
Geographically, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the epicenters of violence, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide. Balochistan, in particular, bore the brunt of the attacks with 35 incidents, leading to 51 deaths (30 civilians, 18 security personnel, three militants) and 100 injuries.
