ISLAMABAD: Six terrorists were killed and two Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on October 24, according to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation took place in the Zarkani area following intelligence reports indicating the presence of militants described by the military as belonging to the “Indian proxy, Fitna Al Khwarij.”
According to the ISPR, security personnel carried out the operation based on the information received and engaged the suspected militants in an intense exchange of fire. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of six terrorists and the martyrdom of two soldiers.
The military also confirmed that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. A follow-up sanitisation operation was underway to locate and eliminate any other terrorists who might be present in the area.
Dera Ismail Khan Operation Targets Suspected Militants in Zarkani
The Dera Ismail Khan operation was launched on October 24 after security agencies received intelligence about the presence of suspected militants in Zarkani, the ISPR said.
In its statement, the military’s media wing reported that six militants were killed during the engagement. The ISPR described them as members of what it calls “Fitna Al Khwarij” and alleged that they were backed by India.
The operation involved an intense exchange of gunfire between security forces and the suspected terrorists. The military said the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence and resulted in the elimination of all six targeted militants.
Weapons and ammunition were subsequently recovered from the site, according to the statement.
The ISPR further alleged that the militants had been involved in several attacks targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as incidents involving the killing of civilians.
The allegations were presented in the military’s official account of the operation.
Two Pakistan Army Soldiers Martyred During Intense Exchange of Fire
The engagement also claimed the lives of two Pakistan Army personnel who were participating in the operation.
The ISPR identified the martyred soldiers as Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, from Gujrat district, and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed, 30, from Talagang district.
According to the military, both soldiers fought during the intense confrontation before losing their lives in the line of duty.
The ISPR paid tribute to the personnel, saying they had demonstrated courage and made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their responsibilities.
Their deaths highlight the risks faced by security personnel conducting counterterrorism operations in areas affected by militant activity.
The military did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the individual casualties beyond confirming that both soldiers were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Sanitisation Operation Launched to Search the Area
Following the gun battle, security forces began a sanitisation operation in the surrounding area to determine whether additional militants were present.
Such operations involve searching locations where suspected militants may be hiding and examining areas connected to a security engagement. In this case, the ISPR said the objective was to eliminate any other terrorists found in the vicinity.
The military did not announce any additional casualties or arrests in its statement about the October 24 incident.
The continuation of the search indicates that security forces were still assessing the area after the initial engagement.
The outcome of the sanitisation operation could provide further information about whether other suspected militants were operating in the area, although no additional findings were included in the initial announcement.
ISPR Says Terrorists Had Targeted Security Personnel and Civilians
The military’s media wing alleged that the six slain terrorists had been actively involved in multiple attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians.
According to the ISPR, the recovery of weapons and ammunition formed part of the findings reported after the operation.
The statement placed the incident within the wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security agencies continue to conduct intelligence-based operations against suspected militant networks.
However, the ISPR statement did not provide details of the individual attacks allegedly linked to the militants or specify the dates and locations of those incidents.
The military’s account also did not include further information about the identities of the six slain terrorists.
Azm-e-Istehkam Counterterrorism Campaign to Continue
The ISPR said counterterrorism operations would continue under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
According to the military, the campaign aims to combat terrorism described by the authorities as being sponsored or supported by foreign elements.
The statement said the campaign would continue at full pace as security forces pursue their efforts to counter militant threats.
The military also emphasised that the sacrifices of personnel serving in counterterrorism operations strengthened its commitment to protecting the country.
The Dera Ismail Khan incident is another reported engagement in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to counter militant activity, particularly in areas where security forces continue to conduct intelligence-led operations.
The military’s announcement confirmed the casualties and the continuation of security operations in the area. Further information about the sanitisation operation and any subsequent developments was not included in the initial statement.
Pakistan’s Security Forces Continue Operations Against Militancy
The Dera Ismail Khan operation underscores the continuing role of intelligence-based action in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
According to the ISPR, the operation resulted in the deaths of six suspected militants, while two army personnel lost their lives during the confrontation. The recovery of weapons and ammunition was also reported as part of the operation’s outcome.
Security forces were continuing searches in the area to identify any additional militant presence. The military reiterated that operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework would proceed as part of its wider campaign against terrorism.
The incident also brought renewed attention to the sacrifices made by military personnel engaged in security operations. The ISPR said the deaths of Naik Ghulam Murtaza and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed reinforced the military’s stated resolve to protect Pakistan.
