LOWER DIR: Three more militants were killed in a joint search and strike operation in Upper Dir district on Tuesday, raising the number of militants killed in the operation to at least eight in the past two days, officials said.

The District Police Officer (DPO) of Upper Dir, Syed Mohammad Bilal, told reporters that one of those killed was a local militant commander. He said the situation was fully under the control of police and security forces.

The DPO appreciated the support and cooperation extended by local residents during the ongoing operation.

According to police, the operation, jointly conducted by Upper Dir police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) under the command of DPO Bilal, targeted militant hideouts in Hatun Dara, Dobando, and adjoining mountainous areas.

During an exchange of fire, an important militant commander identified as Sajidullah, believed to be the mastermind of militant activity in the region, was killed. His body was later recovered, police confirmed.

The official described the operation as a “major success” against the insurgents’ network, saying security forces were determined to eliminate the threat of militancy from the district.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2025