ISPR also said that three soldiers were martyred in the exchange of fire, while four more terrorists were injured. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists.

“Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly three terrorists were sent to hell, while four terrorists were injured,” an ISPR statement said.

The martyred soldiers were identified as 40-year-old Subedar Asghar Ali of Lakki Marwat, 26-year-old Sepoy Naseem Khan also of Lakki Marwat and 22-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Zaman of Abbottabad.

“Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area,” the statement said.

“Armed forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”