Four suspected militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) near a border village in Dera Ghazi Khan, officials said.
According to CTD officials, the operation was launched near the village of Jotar after intelligence reports indicated that around 15 militants belonging to the banned group commonly referred to as Fitna-ul-Khawarij were present in the area.
Authorities said the militants had allegedly completed planning attacks on police posts and other government institutions. During the operation, the suspects opened fire on the CTD team, prompting personnel to retaliate, leading to a heavy exchange of fire.
As a result of the encounter, four suspected militants were killed while 11 others managed to flee the scene under the cover of darkness.
Officials said rifles, ammunition, explosives and other equipment were recovered from the militants. The process of identifying the slain suspects is currently underway.
CTD teams have cordoned off Jotar and the surrounding areas, and a search operation has been launched to apprehend the militants who escaped.
Authorities stated that the timely action by the CTD helped foil a major militant plan targeting police and other institutions.