ISLAMABAD, July 5 (Xinhua) -- At least three militants affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during a late-night operation in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said on Saturday.

The operation was launched around 1:00 a.m. local time (2000 GMT) in Lakki Marwat district, following intelligence reports about the presence of suspects involved in multiple attacks targeting police and other security personnel, the CTD said in a statement.

During the raid, security forces recovered four hand grenades, rifles, ammunition and two mobile phones from the site, the statement added.

The development comes two days after a deadly bombing in Bajaur district, where at least five people were killed.

The CTD said efforts are ongoing to dismantle remaining militant hideouts in the region as part of a broader counterterrorism campaign. ■