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.
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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.
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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.
