SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: An army officer was martyred during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in the Shakai area of South Waziristan tribal district on Sunday night.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on receiving intelligence about terrorists’ presence in Shakai, security forces were conducting night patrolling in the area when they came under attack.

During the exchange of fire, Captain Abdullah Zafar embraced martyrdom while leading his troops. The officer was 25 years old and a resident of Lachi area in Kohat.

The area was cordoned off for clearance operation, the ISPR said.

Police said the gun battle took place near Shrongai check-post at around 11pm on Sunday.

Police believe the attackers used a sniper gun during the exchange.

The body was flown to Kohat.

Police said that terrorists had presence in the area and had sniper guns.

Officials said that terrorists had carried out two attacks against security forces in the area recently which resulted in martyrdom of three soldiers and injuries to five others.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2020