Three terrorists were killed late Thursday night in an exchange of fire with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in district Khyber, officials said on Friday.

According to the CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched near Ali Masjid in Lala Cheena Dosarke following intelligence reports of militant presence.

As the CTD team reached the site, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a half-hour-long gun battle.

The slain militants were identified as Muhammad Naeem alias Abdul Nasir, Muhammad Karim, and Noor Nabi.

Authorities stated they were the masterminds behind the Chamkani suicide attack. The killed suspects reportedly belonged to Karak and Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

During the operation, security personnel recovered three submachine guns, 12 magazines, 135 rounds of ammunition, and three bandoliers.

However, militant commander Fazal Noor managed to escape with his accomplices under the cover of darkness.

A search operation is underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing terrorists, the CTD added.