Five terrorists were killed in a joint counterterrorism operation by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Upper Dir.

A civilian was martyred and eight policemen sustained injuries during the clash, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to the District Police Officer (DPO) Upper Dir, the intelligence-based operation was launched in Dobando Dara, Barikot, Salamkot and Hatan Darra areas. The exchange of heavy gunfire continued until late Monday night.

Police officials said the terrorists were linked to the August 14 attack on a police van in Panahkot, which left three policemen martyred and six others injured.

Civilian martyred, policemen injured

A resident of Salamkot, Yar Muhammad, embraced martyrdom during the clash. His funeral prayer was offered at Police Lines Dir late on Sunday night, attended by police officials and locals.

The eight injured policemen were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Dir. Doctors said all were out of danger.

Terrorists linked to cross-border elements

Authorities reported that four bodies of the slain militants had been recovered while clearance operations were still underway in the surrounding areas.

Officials described the terrorists as “Indian-sponsored” and associated with Fitna al-Hindustan.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the KP police and CTD for their “professional performance” in eliminating the militants.

“The terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan have been defeated by the valour of our forces,” he said in a statement, adding that the nation stands firmly with security forces in their mission to permanently eradicate terrorism.

The minister also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured policemen.