“An Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) was initiated to clear a hideout of terrorists, linked with firing incidents on security forces and civilians besides planting of Improvised Explosive Devices,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Wednesday. The operation was conducted along the M-8 motorway in the area of Talsar near Hoshab.

Security forces were dropped by helicopter after terrorist hideouts were identified by surveillance. As security forces blocked escape routes, four terrorists opened fire.

“During ensuing heavy exchange of fire, all four Terrorists have been killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) has been recovered,” the ISPR added.

The country has seen an uptick in terror attacks in recent weeks, with Balochistan and KP seeing a massive spike in attacks. 2022 turned out to be one of the worst years on record in terms of police casualites. Meanwhile, the civilian and military leadership has expressed a resolve to fight terrorism head on.