3 militants killed in counter-terrorism operation in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three militants were killed in an operation by the counter-terrorism department (CTD) of police in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, an official statement said.

The operation was conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district, following confirmed intelligence about the presence of militants linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in the area, the CTD said in a statement.

The department's teams cordoned off the location to arrest the suspects, but came under fire when the militants attempted to escape, the statement said.

Security personnel returned fire in self-defense, resulting in the killing of the three militants.

Officials said the slain militants were involved in multiple attacks targeting police and security forces.

Weapons and explosives, including three assault rifles, several magazines, hand grenades and ammunition, were also seized from the site, the CTD added.

Authorities said search and intelligence operations in the area have been expanded amid concerns about the possible presence of additional militants and their facilitators. Enditem