A Pakistan Army soldier was martyred and seven terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation carried out by security forces in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing confirmed on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the DI Khan operation was conducted in the Kulachi area following confirmed intelligence about the presence of militants. Security personnel engaged the hideout, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in the elimination of seven terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Khwarij, an Indian-backed proxy group.
During the encounter, 34-year-old Naik Yasir Khan embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely against the militants. The army paid tribute to his sacrifice, noting that he laid down his life in the line of duty while defending the country against terrorism.
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed militants, who were involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region. A follow-up sanitisation operation is currently underway to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the military said the counterterrorism drive under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam will continue with full force to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Security challenges have intensified in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with a noticeable surge in attacks since 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to target Pakistan. While Islamabad welcomed recent statements from Afghan scholars calling for non-interference, officials have expressed concern over the lack of concrete action on past assurances.
The government maintains that lasting regional stability depends on firm and verifiable steps to prevent cross-border militancy.
