UPPER WAZIRISTAN: A soldier embraced martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists in the Upper Waziristan tribal district, while a terrorist was killed in the border area between Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, officials said on Wednesday.

They said the security official was martyred when terrorists opened fire at a patrolling party in Upper Waziristan tribal district. An exchange of fire took place between the troops and terrorists in the Sararogha area on Tuesday, resulting in the martyrdom of Havildar Omer Hayat, 39. He belonged to the Lachi area of Kohat district, the statement added.

All roads were sealed in the area during the sea­rch operation. Sararogha area is being cleared of terrorists, according to the military.

“Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.

Sararogha is adjacent to La­kki Marwat district of Khy­ber Pakhtunkhwa where six police officials were martyred last week.

Meanwhile, a terrorist was gunned down during a shootout with law enforcement agencies in the border area between Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts on Wed­nesday, a police official said.

“The area where the law forcers confronted the terrorist is located between Serai Naurang and Ghoriwala towns of both southern districts,” he disclosed.

The official said security personnel reached the border area but came under a terrorist attack before they could besiege their hideout. He said the law enforcers took positions, returned the fire and in the ensuing exchange one terrorist, later identified as Waheedullah, was killed.

“The security personnel seized a submachine gun and ammunition from the place and launched a search in the area for the accomplices and facilitators of the slain terrorist,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2022