Five militants of the banned Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were killed during an operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Peshawar Region near Shamshatoo Camp in Peshawar. Among those killed was a key commander of the group, identified as Imran alias Abdullah, alias Bilal, alias Abu Bakr.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), acting on credible intelligence, an operation was carried out at a compound near the Kabul English Language Centre, located within the limits of Armar Police Station near Shamshatoo Camp. The militants were allegedly planning major terrorist activities, including bomb attacks on sensitive institutions, imambargahs and churches.

When CTD teams reached the compound, they surrounded it from all sides. Police said the militants inside the compound opened fire on the personnel, prompting the CTD officials to retaliate. Five militants were killed in the exchange of fire. Drones were also used during the operation.

An SMG, four pistols, two hand grenades, five magazines, an improvised explosive device (IED) and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene. The Bomb Disposal Unit and forensic teams inspected the site and secured evidence for legal and technical proceedings.

According to the CTD, those killed included Imran son of Dilawar Khan, a resident of Tarkho Katkot, Mamund tehsil, Bajaur district, and Shahidullah son of Miraj, a resident of Sheikh Baba Charta, Upper Mohmand district. The identities of the other deceased militants are being ascertained.

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The CTD said Imran alias Abu Bakr was a wanted and proclaimed offender in 20 cases involving bomb blasts, targeted killings and other acts of terrorism in Peshawar and various other districts. He was also wanted in cases involving IED and VBIED attacks, suicide attacks and the targeted killings of police and political leaders.

According to the CTD, Imran alias Abu Bakr was also involved in the killings of Maulana Khan Zeb and Senator Hidayatullah, while he was allegedly directly involved in the killing of Rehan Zeb. The CTD said Imran was present at the scene along with other militants and had opened fire on Rehan Zeb.

The CTD said Imran alias Abu Bakr was also wanted in connection with the suicide attack on an imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, on February 6, 2026. The department claimed that he arranged the suicide jacket for the attack from Bajaur and transported the suicide bomber from Nowshera to Tarlai in Islamabad.

The CTD said Shahidullah had conducted reconnaissance for the attack and identified the imambargah as the target.

According to officials, the government of Pakistan had announced a reward of Rs12 million for information leading to the arrest or tracing of Imran alias Abu Bakr. He was also wanted in connection with the 2023 suicide attack on a JUI-F workers’ convention in Bajaur.

A search and clearance operation is under way in the area following the incident, while further legal proceedings are also being initiated.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department praised the professional performance of the CTD SWAT teams that took part in the operation.

Officials said CTD operations would continue to maintain law and order in the province and eliminate terrorism.