Six TTP Terrorists Killed, Two Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Dera Ismail Khan Operation

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani security forces killed six terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in an intense exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on October 24 following intelligence reports about the presence of militants in the area. Security forces engaged the suspected terrorists, killing six of them during the operation.

The military identified the two soldiers killed during the exchange of fire as Naik Ghulam Murtaza, 36, a resident of Gujrat district in Punjab, and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed, 30, who belonged to Talagang district.

The ISPR said the soldiers fought during the intense gun battle and lost their lives while carrying out the operation.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists killed during the engagement, according to the military’s statement.

Terrorists Linked to Attacks on Security Forces, Civilians

The ISPR said the six terrorists had been involved in multiple terrorist activities targeting Pakistani security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as attacks resulting in the deaths of civilians.

The military described the operation as part of its ongoing counterterrorism campaign against militant networks operating in the country’s northwestern region.

The statement added that a clearance operation was continuing in the area to locate and eliminate any other terrorists who might still be present.

The military did not provide further details about the identities of the six individuals killed or disclose the specific attacks in which they were allegedly involved.

TTP Claims Responsibility

Separately, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the incident, according to the information provided in reports about the operation. Further details of the group’s statement were not immediately available for independent verification.

The TTP has carried out numerous attacks against Pakistani security personnel, police and other state institutions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan has intensified counterterrorism operations in response to renewed militant violence in the country’s border regions. The government has repeatedly accused externally supported militant networks of contributing to the unrest, while allegations concerning foreign backing remain matters of dispute.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to Continue

The ISPR said counterterrorism operations under the government-approved framework of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue at full pace.

The initiative was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under Pakistan’s National Action Plan and is intended to strengthen efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies against terrorist networks.

The military reiterated its commitment to eliminating what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, adding that the sacrifices of security personnel reinforced Pakistan’s determination to protect its citizens.

The ongoing clearance operation in Zarkani is aimed at ensuring that no additional terrorists remain in the area, the statement said.

Prime Minister, Interior Minister Pay Tribute to Soldiers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces following the operation and expressed his condolences to the families of Naik Ghulam Murtaza and Sepoy Taseer Ahmed.

The prime minister said the nation saluted the sacrifices of its soldiers and that their contributions to the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces and expressed sympathy with the families of the two soldiers.

Naqvi said the soldiers had thwarted the enemy’s designs by sacrificing their lives, adding that the nation took pride in the professionalism and courage demonstrated by the security forces.

The operation underscores the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan’s northwestern region, where authorities have repeatedly launched intelligence-led actions against suspected TTP networks.

With clearance operations still underway in Zarkani, the military said its campaign against terrorist groups would continue under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework.