BAJAUR: Security forces claimed to have thwarted a terrorism plan in Bajaur tribal district by killing two key leaders of an outlawed militant organisation during an intelligence-based operation in Utmankhail tehsil.

Official sources said that the operation was conducted on Wednesday night on information that some terrorists were present in the Qazafi area, 22km off Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur district, and planning to carry out sabotage activities in the region.

The sources said that a contingent of security forces was immediately sent to the area. When the security forces launched the operation, the militants opened fire on them with automatic rifles.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, they said, two important leaders of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed. A huge quantity of rifles and other weapons, explosives, mines and ammunition was recovered.

The sources did not identify the slain militant leaders, but claimed that they were on a terrorism mission.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2021