Four security personnel were martyred and three terrorists killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists who attempted to enter Pakistan through Sambaza border area from Afghanistan in Zhob.
The ISPR said that security forces on Sept 28 thwarted an attempt of TTP terrorists to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Pakistan.
In the ensuing operation, Havildar Sattar, Lance Naik Sher Azam, Lance Naik Adnan and Sepoy Nadeem fought valiantly and embraced martyrdom.
During the exchange of fire, three terrorists were killed and a few others were wounded.
According to a statement issued by law enforcement authorities, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) managed to thwart an attack led by 12 to 15 terrorists during which Head Constable Haroon Khan was martyred.
Constable Haroon Khan was martyred during a terrorist attack at the Kundal patrol post in Mianwali late in the night on September 30, 2023. PHOTO: LEAs
Multiple suspected terrorists were injured and at least two were killed in the operation which started at around 11.45pm on Saturday night and concluded at around 7.45am on Sunday morning.
The CTD identified one of the deceased terrorists as Zubair Nawaz, brother of Arshad Nawaz, the ameer of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) Tipu Group of Lakki Marwat. The identification process was completed with the aid of CTD's database and local intelligence.
Zubair Nawaz was a high-priority suspect who was on the most-wanted lists in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces due to his involvement in the killings of police officers and Shia community members besides dacoities and extortion activities, according to law enforcement authorities.
Meanwhile, the second deceased suspected terrorist was identified as a "dedicated member of the group who proved to be even more dangerous than Zubair," read the statement.
His identification was carried out through exhaustive efforts, including assistance from NADRA, various intelligence agencies and advanced software used by the CTD.
Punjab Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar said that this operation was a testament to the "unwavering commitment and bravery of our security forces and reaffirms our collective determination to ensure the safety and security of our citizens".
"We remain resolute in our fight against terrorism. Such acts of terror will not deter our pursuit of peace and justice," he added.
