PESHAWAR: Seven terrorists were killed and three others injured in a clash with security personnel near the Afghan border in the tribal district of North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that terrorists from across the border opened fire on a Pakistani post in North Waziristan, triggering a clash with troops who responded promptly to the fire.

During the exchange of fire, seven terrorists were killed and three others injured. The statement did not give details about the nationality of the deceased and arrest of the wounded terrorists.

Pakistan has started building a fence along its western border to block movement of terrorists, besides constructing security posts. Despite heavy deployment of troops and personnel of other security forces in the tribal region, the security situation has remained unstable as terrorists often attack troops and civilians.

The last incident occurred in the area on Sept 23 in which seven security personnel, including an officer, were martyred when terrorists ambushed troops combing the area. Nine terrorists were killed in a counter-attack.

The army launched a massive operation in 2014 to wipe out militant bases in North Waziristan and end the nearly decade-long militancy that has cost thousands of lives, adds AFP.

The operation intensified after Taliban massacred more than 150 schoolchildren and teachers in an attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in December 2014.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd , 2018