Three soldiers martyred, three terrorists killed in DI Khan

RAWALPINDI: Three terrorists were killed in Khutti area of Dera Ismail Khan on Monday night (March 17) in an exchange of fire with the security forces.

However, during the exchange of fire, three soldiers including Havaldar Muhammad Azhar Iqbal, Naik Muhammad Asad and Sepoy Muhammad Essa embraced martyrdom.

According to the ISPR, terrorists opened fire on a police check post and on receipt of the information, security forces immediately cordoned the area, blocking all possible escape routes. The fleeing terrorists were intercepted in general area of Saggu in Dera Ismail Khan District.

After intense exchange of fire, three terrorists were sent to hell. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them.

Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists there.

The ISPR further stated that the Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

It is pertinent to mention here, Pakistan witnessed 42 per cent increase in terrorist attacks in 2021 compared to the previous year as the developments in Afghanistan had already started influencing its militant landscape and security.

A total of 207 reported incursions in the year claimed 335 lives, an increase of 52 per cent from those killed in such attacks in 2020, and left 555 people injured.

These statistics were revealed in ‘Pakistan Security Report 2021′ by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). The report provides comprehensive data on violent incidents, comparative analysis of various security variables, the changing targets and tactics of militants, and the nature of state responses.

The report said 2021 was the first time since 2013 that the number of terrorist attacks posted an upsurge or reversal, in a gradually declining trend.

Those 335 killed in terrorist attacks included 177 security personnel, 126 civilians, and 32 militants. Similarly, as many as 66 per cent of attacks targeted security personnel, their vehicles, and checkpoints across Pakistan.