The security forces killed nine terrorists including a high-value target (HVT) ring leader in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail (DI) Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

It said an IBO was carried out on the reported presence of terrorists in the general area ‘Takwara’ on the night between April 6 and 7 which was followed by an intense exchange of fire between the security forces and the terrorists.

It said the gun battle resulted in the elimination of nine terrorists along with ring leader Shireen, who was highly wanted due to his involvement in numerous terrorist activities and besides being involved in the targeted killing of numerous innocent civilians. Shireen was also responsible for the martyrdom of Captain Hasnain Akhtar on March 20, 2025.

According to the statement, weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists. ‘Today’s operation has avenged the heinous act and has brought the main perpetrator to justice’, it added.

It said sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. The ISPR in its statement reaffirmed the determination to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.