KARACHI: Three suspected militants were shot dead in an ‘encounter’ on the outskirts of Karachi on Thursday evening, according to police officials.

“A contingent of police conducted a targeted raid on a hideout near Superhighway, where they came under fire,” claimed Malir SSP Rao Anwar.

Anwar added that in retaliatory action the suspects were killed.

“The killed militants belonged to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).”

The suspected militants were allegedly involved in targeted attacks on law enforcement personnel in Karachi and attacks on security forces in Waziristan, and were also involved in kidnapping for ransom and extortion.

Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, has witnessed targeted killings, gang wars, and kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism. Targeted operations led by Rangers’ forces with the support of police are ongoing in the city under a directive issued by the federal government against criminals already identified by federal, military and civilian agencies.