Security forces killed five terrorists, including a facilitator, in the retaliatory action.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) Hangu, Mohammed Khalid Khan, militants belonging to the outlawed group “Fitna al-Khawarij” launched a heavy-weapons assault on the FC check post in the jurisdiction of Doaba police station early Saturday morning.

FC troops responded with full force, repelling the assault, but three personnel embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire. Sixteen others were injured.

In the counter-operation, five militants, including a facilitator, were killed.

The DPO said the attackers managed to carry away the bodies of their slain accomplices under the cover of night.

He added that a search and strike operation was underway in the area to track down remaining facilitators, who, he assured, would be arrested soon.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the martyred FC personnel were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, while the injured were transferred to CMH Thall for treatment.

Security arrangements in the surrounding areas have been further tightened to prevent any fresh incidents.