SOUTH WAZIRISTAN/NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Four terrorists were killed, while two security personnel sustained minor injuries in an intelligence-based operation conducted on Friday in Lower South Waziristan district, official sources confirmed.

According to the sources, the operation was launched in the Kalotai area of Birmal tehsil based on confirmed intelligence about the presence of terrorists in a residential compound. Security forces surrounded the compound, upon which the terrorists opened fire.

A heavy exchange of gunfire ensued, during which four terrorists were killed. Two security personnel were slightly injured in the firefight and were provided with first aid at the scene.

Following the clash, a comprehensive search operation was conducted, and the area was cleared. Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the compound.

Security officials said that operations against anti-state elements would continue in the region until peace was fully restored.

It is worth mentioning that incidents of militancy have seen a notable rise over the past year in Lower South Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan, and North Waziristan districts. This growing wave of violence has raised serious concerns among local residents.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistan Army, has not issued any official statement regarding the operation. However, security sources have confirmed the killing of four terrorists.

Also, an abandoned building of a local bank was blown up reportedly by terrorists, and movement of civilians was restricted near a military camp in North Waziristan district on Friday.

Police in Mirali tehsil said that the bank was non-functional and that the staff had already shifted to Bannu district due to security threats. They added that some people also took away the bank’s furniture a few days ago.

They said that the incident was being probed.

Locals, however, expressed concern about the incident and said that it would further add to their problems in doing business in the area.

“Doing business was already difficult in Mirali market and this explosion will further add to our problems,” a shopkeeper told Dawn.

Separately, the district administration banned all kinds of civilian construction, accommodation and movement within one kilometer radius of the camp of security forces in Razmak area of North Waziristan.

Sources said that a notification in this regard was issued by the district admonition upon request of the security forces. They said that the notification had made it clear that the security forces would not be responsible if anything happened following violation of the orders.

Locals termed the decision good for the time being, but stated that the main issue was deteriorating law and order situation in the area.

Sources said that a meeting would be held with local elders to discuss permanent solution to the law and order situation.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2025