Two soldiers martyred, six terrorists killed in DI Khan

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed six terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan, while two Pakistan Army personnel embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on October 24 in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan district following reports about the presence of militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khwarij, which the military describes as an Indian-sponsored terrorist group.

The security forces effectively targeted the militants and killed six terrorists. However, two soldiers lost their lives while fighting the attackers.

The martyred personnel were identified as Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, a resident of Gujrat district, and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed, 30, from Talagang district. Both soldiers fought bravely during the intense exchange of fire, according to the ISPR.

Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain terrorists. The militants were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians.

A sanitisation operation is underway in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining militants. The military said counterterrorism efforts under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue to prevent terrorist activities and maintain security.

The ISPR paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifices strengthened the country’s resolve to protect the nation at all costs.

In a separate development, security forces killed a suspected terrorist commander, Adil Shah alias Darvesh, during an intelligence-based operation in Qila Saifullah district of Balochistan.

According to security sources, Shah had been associated with Fitna al-Khwarij since December 2020 and had managed the group’s financial affairs since 2024.

He was also accused of arranging permanent accommodation for militants from outside the region in Zhob, Sherani and Shaban. Security sources said he had been involved in attacks against security forces in 2022 and 2023, as well as kidnapping-related extortion activities.

Nineteen first information reports (FIRs) had reportedly been registered against the commander in anti-terrorism courts. Authorities had also announced a bounty of Rs2.5 million for his capture.

Security sources reiterated that counterterrorism operations in Balochistan would continue until all terrorists were eliminated.