DERA ISMAIL KHAN/LAKKI MARWAT: Security forces killed four terrorists affiliated with a banned group during an intelligence-based operation in the Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan on Wednesday, sources said, adding two other militants were reportedly injured.

They said a significant cache of sophisticated weapons and explosive material was also recovered from the possession of the killed and injured militants.

The neutralised militants were said to be involved in multiple acts of terrorism, including targeted killing, extortion, kidnappings, and abductions for ransom. They had long been wanted by law enforcement and security agencies.

Meanwhile, a policeman was injured in a clash with terrorists in the remote Paharkhel Pacca area of Lakki Marwat district on Wednesday.

An official said a group of terrorists ambushed a party of Ghaznikhel police station led by SHO Ghulan Razzaq Khan when it was on a routine patrol duty in the area.

“It was a three-pronged attack wherein the assailants used light and heavy weapons,” he said, adding the police van was badly damaged in the sudden attack.

The official said the cops took positions and returned the attack, triggering a gun battle.

“A cop, identified as Shahid, was injured in an exchange of fire and transported to a hospital,” he added.

He said during an exchange of fire, the law enforcers shifted their injured colleague to a safer place and continued fighting bravely.

He said an effective retaliation by police backed by armed villagers forced the terrorists to flee toward mountains.

The official further said additional force from the police lines and nearby police stations led by district police officer Mohammad Jawad Ishaq also reached the area and launched a search in the difficult mountainous terrain for assailants.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025