Security forces kill six militants, two soldiers martyred in Dera Ismail Khan
Security forces killed six militants while two soldiers were martyred in an intelligence-based operation in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, the military said.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said the operation targeted militants affiliated with the Indian-backed Fitna-ul-Khawarij, a term used to refer to militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
During an intense exchange of fire, six militants were killed, while Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, from Gujrat district, and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed, 30, from Talagang district, were martyred while fighting, the statement said.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were involved in attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians, according to the military.
A clearance operation was underway to eliminate other militants in the area, the ISPR said, adding that operations against Fitna-ul-Khawarij would continue under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, or Resolve for Stability.
The military reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism from Pakistan, saying the sacrifices of its personnel strengthened the resolve to defend the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operation and paid tribute to the two soldiers who were killed. He expressed condolences to their families and said the sacrifices of security personnel demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism.
Sharif reiterated his commitment to eliminating terrorism under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the operation, paid tribute to the two soldiers and expressed condolences to their families.
Naqvi said the soldiers had thwarted the enemy’s designs by sacrificing their lives and praised the professionalism and courage of the security forces.