Pakistani security forces killed at least 27 terrorists in three different gun battles, one of which followed a massive suicide attack, the military said on Tuesday.
The three incidents occurred in three different areas of Dera Ismail Khan district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and left 25 troops martyred, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the media wing of the military.
In the deadliest incident, terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a security post in the general area Daraban of Dera Ismail Khan after failing to enter the post.
The checkpost building collapsed in the explosion, leaving 23 troops martyred. A gun battle ensued and six terrorists were killed.
Two other soldiers were martyred in a gun battle in the general area of Kulachi in Dera Ismail Khan. The exchange of fire left four terrorists dead.
The third gun battle occurred in the Darazinda area of DI Khan and left 17 terrorists dead.
“An intelligence-based operation was conducted in general area Darazinda on reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR said.
“In another intelligence-based operation in general area Kulachi, own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell. However, after an intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat,” it added.
Terrorists attacked the security checkpost in Daraban area in the wee hours of Tuesday.
“In early hours of 12 December 2023, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in general area Daraban. The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack. The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty three brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR said.
Security forces were conducting sensitization operations in the area to eliminate other terrorists, the military said.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve,” the ISPR said.
Later, funeral prayers of 23 soldiers, who were martyred while fighting terrorists, were offered in Dera Ismail Khan Garrison, the ISPR said.
Corps Commander Peshawar along with a large number of serving officers, soldiers, civil officials, and the public attended the funeral, it added
“The martyred will be laid to rest with full military honour in their respective hometowns. Armed Forces of Pakistan stand resolute and committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the motherland at all cost,” the ISPR stated.
