Police claimed to have killed eight suspected terrorists, including a commander of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an 'encounter' in Karachi's Malir area on Wednesday.

An operation was conducted after intelligence agencies confirmed the presence of TTP commander Gul Zaman in Malir, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Rao Anwar told reporters.

One of those killed in the encounter has been identified as Taj Arif Lala, who was involved in numerous targeted killings and kidnapping of factory owners, the SSP said. A 16-year-old, suspected of being a suicide bomber, was also killed in the encounter.

A large cache of weapons was recovered from the militants, in addition to bombs and a laptop.

SSP Anwar, called the ‘encounter specialist’ by some, is known for his controversial 'encounters' against outlaws. He has claimed in the past to have killed militants belonging to various terrorist organisations and activists of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement during raids.

The majority of these cases remain unconctested, apart from the few where the families of those shot dead have moved the court.

'Many' killed in Khyber air strikes

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations said Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had targeted a terrorist hideout in Khyber Agency's Rajgal area near the Afghan border on Tuesday night.

"Many terrorists were killed" and the hideout was destroyed in the airstrikes, the statement said.

Security forces have launched nationwide intelligence operations amid a fresh resurgence in terror attacks.

The claim to have targeted militant hideouts across the country, leading to more than 300 arrests and the killing of over 100 suspected terrorists.