NORTH WAZIRISTAN: One soldier was martyred and five alleged militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Jhallar Algad area of North Waziristan district on Mon­day, a statement by the military’s media wing has said.

According to ISPR, the troops effectively engaged the militants during the operation and managed to gun down five militants allegedly involved in terrorist activities against security forces and citizens.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

“Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area,” the statement added. The martyred soldier was identified as Sepoy Nasir Khan, 25, a resident of South Waziristan.

The operation comes two days after a terrorist commander was killed in an exchange of fire with troops in the Shewa area of North Waziristan district.

The North and South Waziristan districts — which share a border with Afghanistan — have been witnessing a rise in militants attacks over the past few months. The development comes as the banned TTP announced an end to its ceasefire with the state.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2022