At least seven Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were martyred and 13 others injured during a fierce clash with militants in Lower Dir. The operation took place in the Sar Banda area of Maidan, where militants had established positions in mountainous terrain. One FC soldier remains missing following the gun battle.
The militants targeted a security convoy with heavy gunfire, sparking an exchange that lasted several hours. Injured personnel were initially shifted to Lal Qila Hospital and later referred to District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara. A large police and Elite Force presence remained in the area as operations continued.
Militants Target Security Forces in Lower Dir
Authorities confirmed that security forces inflicted heavy losses on the militants, though exact details were not shared immediately. Lal Qila, once a stronghold of the banned Tehreek-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi (TNSM), has long been associated with militant activity. Mullah Fazlullah, son-in-law of TNSM leader Maulana Sufi Muhammad, previously headed the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) before being killed in an airstrike in Afghanistan.
The attack comes amid rising militant activity in the region. Security forces vowed to continue search operations to eliminate remaining hideouts.
Late-Night Assault on Lajbook Police Post
In a separate incident, militants attacked the Lajbook police post late at night. Police forces responded with heavy fire, forcing the attackers to retreat. No casualties were reported in the exchange. To curb further threats, Section 144 was imposed across Lower Dir. The order bans drones, quadcopters, and balloons to prevent misuse. Authorities warned strict action against violators.
19 Militants Killed in Operations Across KP
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at least 19 militants were killed in three major encounters with security forces. Fourteen were eliminated in Mohmand during an intense gun battle at a militant hideout. Four more were killed in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, while one was neutralized in Bannu.
Recovered weapons and ammunition suggest those killed were linked to multiple attacks in the region. Security officials confirmed sanitisation operations are ongoing to secure affected areas. The recent actions highlight Pakistan’s determination to eradicate terrorism and secure peace in tribal districts.
National Leadership Commends Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the bravery of troops, emphasizing Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism. He prayed for the safety and success of forces engaged in operations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the soldiers for their professionalism, reaffirming that the fight against terrorism will continue until its complete elimination.
Tribal Elders Vow to Expel Militants
Meanwhile, tribal elders from the Toji Khel tribe in South Waziristan issued a strong warning to militants. In a recent meeting, they announced that no militant groups would be allowed to operate on their soil. Elders declared strict penalties for anyone aiding militants, including house demolitions and fines of up to Rs2 million.
This tribal consensus demonstrates growing community support against militancy. By enforcing social and financial penalties, the elders aim to block militants from gaining shelter or assistance.
A Renewed Push Against Militancy
The recent surge in operations underlines Pakistan’s uncompromising stance on terrorism. Despite the sacrifices of seven FC soldiers, security forces successfully neutralized multiple threats across the province. Ongoing efforts, combined with community support, signal a renewed determination to restore peace in volatile regions.
