Peshawar, Dec 27 (Representative) Fifteen terrorists, including militant commander, were killed in multiple encounters between security forces and militants across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said here on Thursday.Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said three security operations were carried out in the province.An intelligence-based operation (IBO) was also conducted in the Jani Khel area of Bannu district after reports of militant activity. Security forces engaged the militants’ position, killing two in the ensuing crossfire, the ISPR said.In the second operation, which took place in North Waziristan, five militants were neutralised by security forces while eight were injured, Dawn reported. “However, during an intense exchange of fire, Major Muhammad Awais, a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR said. Sources said that this IBO was conducted in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel tehsil at around 1pm after observing suspicious movements. A search party was dispatched at around 1:15pm, and it came under fire as it approached the target area.
Five militants were killed, and eight were injured in the exchange of fire, reportedly involving members of the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. In the third operation in South Waziristan, six militants were killed and eight injured after being engaged by security forces, the ISPR said. “Sanitisation operations are being carried out to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.Separately, a strike by security forces in South Waziristan’s Birmal tehsil on Wednesday night left dead two terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Local police sources said that the attack, likened to a drone strike, targeted a house in the Manra area, killing local militant commander Noor Muhammad and an associate, who had taken refuge there.The militants were reportedly involved in attacks on security forces, police and civilians. Meanwhile, over 140 families from Upper South Waziristan have been temporarily displaced as security forces prepare for a possible clearance operation against militants in the region.However, the affected families expressed concerns over the lack of official support.