Six terrorists killed in Lower Dir during a joint operation carried out by police, the Elite Force and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the mountainous Brichar area of Talash, officials said on Wednesday.
According to police, security personnel launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. An exchange of fire followed, leaving six terrorists dead.
Authorities said the slain militants were involved in several attacks, including an assault on a police checkpoint and the killing of a police official.
Police identified three of the deceased as Khalil-ur-Rehman, Naeem-ud-Din and Kifayatullah.
The CTD said security forces recovered six Kalashnikov rifles and three hand grenades from the militants.
A search operation is underway to trace and arrest the fleeing accomplices of the killed militants.
Inspector General of Police said operations against terrorism would continue until militancy is completely eliminated from the province.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the successful operation and commended the CTD and police personnel for their professionalism and bravery.
He said security forces had foiled the militants’ plans and expressed pride in the courage and dedication shown by the officers during the operation.