A fierce exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij left three terrorists eliminated and four others injured on the Tall-Gurgury Road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, according to security sources.
The clash erupted after security forces engaged a group of terrorists operating in the area during a counterterrorism operation. Following an intense firefight, three terrorists were neutralized, while at least four of their accomplices sustained injuries and are believed to have fled towards nearby rugged terrain.
Security personnel took the bodies of the eliminated terrorists into custody for identification. Officials said the identification process is underway to determine the identities of those eliminated and establish their possible involvement in previous terrorist attacks in Hangu and adjoining districts.
A search and clearance operation has been launched across the surrounding area to trace the fleeing terrorists and eliminate any remaining threats. Additional troops have been deployed to cordon off suspected hideouts and prevent the injured terrorists from escaping.
Weapons, ammunition, and other materials are also expected to be recovered during the ongoing operation, although officials have yet to release details of any seizures.
Hangu and its surrounding regions have witnessed repeated counterterrorism operations in recent months as security forces continue efforts to dismantle networks of Fitna al-Khwarij attempting to regroup in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Officials reaffirmed that operations against terrorist elements will continue until the area is completely cleared and all threats to civilian life and national security are eliminated.
