Security forces killed six suspected militants during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, while two Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the exchange, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was carried out on Saturday in the Zarkani area following intelligence reports about the presence of militants associated with what the military describes as the Indian-backed Fitna al Khawarij.
The designation is used by Pakistani authorities for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Owing to [the] meticulous conduct of operation by security forces, six India-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR statement said.
The military confirmed that two personnel were killed during the operation.
They were identified as Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, from Gujrat in Punjab, and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed, 30, from Talagang, Punjab.
According to ISPR, both soldiers “fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifices and embraced martyrdom”.
The military paid tribute to their service and sacrifices during the counterterrorism operation.
ISPR said security personnel recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants killed during the operation.
The military alleged that the individuals had been involved in multiple attacks targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of civilians.
It added that a sanitisation operation was underway to locate and eliminate any remaining militants in the surrounding area.
The military reiterated its commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations under Azm-i-Istehkam, a national security initiative approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
ISPR said the campaign would continue against groups it described as receiving foreign sponsorship and support.
“These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the statement said.
The military maintained that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations against militant networks across the country.