KARACHI: Police on Thursday claimed to have killed at least three suspected terrorists in an alleged encounter in Mominabad area of Karachi.

According to SSP Karachi-West Azfar Mahesar, the encounter took place in Rahim Shah Colony of Mominabad where a police party was conducting a search operation.

A least four 'terrorists' opened fire on the police party while police responded with retaliatory firing killing three attackers in the ensuing ‘encounter’. One attacker managed to escape from the site.

Those killed were identified as Umer Ghaffar, Sher Dil Khan and Raheel Abu Bakr, all said to be members of a banned outfit. A huge cache of weaponry and explosive material was recovered from the custody of suspects.

The suspects are reportedly involved in a number of criminal activities, including the recent killings of policemen, extortion and robberies.

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Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Mushtaq Maher and Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Hyder Jamali appreciated the efforts of Karachi police while the home minister announced cash reward for the Karachi-West police team that took part in the encounter.

Earlier this month, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal while speaking to media in Karachi Press Club had said that the provincial government was not considering winding up the Karachi operation and the offensive will continue till the elimination of the last terrorist.

He added that the impression police's role in the city had been restricted to a mere backup force is wrong.

The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

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