New Leader of LeJ among four militants killed in Sheikhupura: CTD

LAHORE: The counter-terrorism department (CTD) of Punjab killed the new leader of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militant group, along with three more militants, in an operation in Sheikhupura, authorities said on Wednesday.

The killings come 18 months after police gunned down longtime LeJ leader Malik Ishaq in a separate encounter.

Among the four militants killed on Tuesday night was Asif Chotoo, also known by the name Rizwan, who was named LeJ chief after Ishaq's death, authorities said.

"He was now heading Lashkar-e-Jhangvi," the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab said in a statement.

The four suspects were killed by counter-terrorism forces acting on a tip that the group was planning an attack in Lahore.

"Big chapters of terrorism, target killings have been closed today," the statement added. "These terrorists were merciless killing machines."