KHYBER: Security forces have killed at least 25 militants in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Tirah Valley of Khyber district over the past week, while four soldiers have also embraced martyrdom, the military said on Tuesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said these operations targeted “Fitna Al-Khawarij” — an official term referring to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan (TTP) — and the so-called Lashkar-i-Islam and Jamaatul Ahrar.

According to the ISPR, these operations were based on “robust intelligence” and have dealt significant blows to the TTP and its affiliates. It also mentioned that 11 militants were injured in the operations. Among those killed was a key militant leader, Abuzar alias Saddam.

“However, during the conduct of operations, four brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR said.

“The heavy losses inflic­ted upon Fitna Al-Khawarij in these operations is testament to the valour and commitment of security forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country,” it said.

Meanwhile, a militant group, Jihadi Lashkari, denied on its Facebook page that their leader Abuzar was killed during the Tirah operation. This claim could not be independently verified from sources in the region.

The security operations were conducted following an outcry from residents of Tirah Valley over the resurgence of outlawed groups, including TTP and Lashkar-i-Islam in the area.

Local sources told Dawn they heard artillery shelling at night while gunship helicopters were seen hovering over the Tirah Val­ley. The operations reportedly took place in the Baati locality of Malakdin Khel, bordering Orakzai district and the hilly area of Thray in Shalobar.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024