PESHAWAR: A key militant commander and his seven associates were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out by security forces in the Shinwarsak area of South Waziristan tribal district, on Wednesday.

A sepoy of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom while four others, including two officers, sustained injuries during the exchange of fire with militants, confirmed the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Local officials said that the eight gunned down were involved in militant activities against security forces and killing of innocent citizens.

Security forces conducted the IBO in the Shinwarsak general area during which an intense exchange of fire took place, said the ISPR statement.

“The security forces effectively engaged the militants’ location and eight militants, including a militant commander Jan Mohammad alias Chargh, were killed,” it said, adding that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists.

“However, during intense exchange of fire, 31-year-old Sepoy Hamid Rasool, a resident of district Rawalpindi, having fought gallantly, embrac­­ed martyrdom while another four personnel, including two officers, got injured.”

Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve, the statement read.

Last month, five militants were killed by security forces in IBOs carried out in North and South Waziristan districts.

“On March 10, IBOs were conducted by security forces in North and South Waziristan districts. During conduct of the operations, five terrorists were killed after intense fire exchange,” the ISPR statement read, adding that weapons, ammunition and a “large quantity of equipment” were also recovered from them.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2023