LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department killed at least six suspected terrorists in an operation in Khanewal District of Punjab, Geo News reported late Wednesday night.
Four suspects managed to flee during the operation which was conducted In Chak 10-R 98 area of the district. The operation was carried out on a tip off regarding presence of militants in the area.
According to CTD officials, the suspects were affiliated with Jamaat-ul- Ahrar, an offshoot of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Reuters adds:
Since Monday, several bomb attacks across the country have shattered a period of improving security, underscoring how militant groups still pose a threat.
The militant faction claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack near the Punjab Assembly on Monday that killed 13 people and wounded more than 80. The Jamaat-ur-Ahrar said the attack was the beginning of a new campaign of violence against the government, security forces, the judiciary and secular political parties.
Pakistan´s foreign office said it had summoned Syed Abdul Nasir Yousafi, deputy head of mission at Afghanistan´s embassy in Islamabad, on Wednesday to voice concern about Jamaat-ur-Ahrar "sanctuaries" in Afghanistan.
Pakistan says militants launch attacks from the Afghan side of the border.
"Afghanistan was urged to take urgent measures to eliminate the terrorists and their sanctuaries, financiers and handlers," the foreign office said in a statement.