By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Security forces have killed at least seven militants in an intelligence-based operation in Aba Shaheed village on Mandi Road in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said, as a soldier was martyred during a fierce exchange of fire.
According to security sources, the operation was launched after authorities received a tip-off about the presence of militants belonging to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Gandapur group in the area. Troops moved in for a joint search and strike operation, during which heavy gunfire erupted.
Naik Yasir was killed while fighting the militants, officials said, paying tribute to his bravery and sacrifice. After the clash, security forces cordoned off the area and carried out a clearance operation, recovering weapons and ammunition from the militants’ possession.
Local authorities expressed condolences over the death of the soldier and said operations against militant groups would continue to prevent further attacks and maintain security in the region.
