DERA ISMAIL KHAN / NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Four security personnel were martyred and fifteen militants, including a key `commander` of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were killed in two encounters between security forces and terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the military`s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces planned an intelligence-based operation (IBO) after receiving information about the presence of terrorists in the Hatala area of Dera Ismail Khan.

The statement read that the troops effectively engaged the militants` location and neutralised nine terrorists, including a high-value target and TTP `commander` Farman alias Saqib.

Other militant ringleaders Amanullah alias Toori, Saeed alias Liaqat, and Bilal were alsokilled in the operation.

According to the statement, those killed in the security operation were involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area and were wanted by the law enforcement agencies.

The military`s media wing said that another operation was carried out in the Miramshah area of North Waziristan where the security forces gunned down six terrorists. Sources said that the exchange of fire took place when militants stormed the Tal checkpost in the area. The assailants tried to escape after the early morning attack, but the security forces chased them and launched a search operation.

`The search party [however] was ambushed by other militants hiding in the area,` they said, adding that during a fierce exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists, some mortars also landed in houses, open fields, and inside a mosque.

A statement by the ISPR said four troops embraced martyrdom in the operation. It explained, `During intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Ashraf (age: 21 years, resident of Lahore) leading his troops from front, fought gallantly andembraced shahadat along with his three men. The three soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal (age: 39 years, resident of District Dera Ismail Khan), Sepoy Farhat Ullah (age: 27 years, resident of Lakki Marwat) and Sepoy Himat Khan (age: 29 years, resident of district Mohmand).

It said that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan were determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism, and such sacrifices of the country`s brave men further strengthened their resolve.

In an earlier report, the AFP, quoting an anonymous intelligence official, claimed that the attack began around 10am. `More than two dozen armed militants launched a heavy-weapon assault, he told AFP.

Successful operations President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operations against the banned TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They also paid tribute to four martyred security personnel, including Lt Muhammad Hassaan Arshaf, who laid down their lives during the operation.

The president said the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its valiant martyrs, read an official statement issued on Saturday.

He also reiterated the `unflinching national resolve` to continue security operations till the elimination of terrorism.

The premier also paid tribute to the martyrs.

He said the government would not allow terrorists to succeed in their nefarious designs and disrupt peace in the country.

According to a statement issued by his office,he commended the armed forces for defending the country round the clock, putting their lives at stake.

`The nation salutes the brave forces for their unwavering resolve to protect the motherland,` Mr Sharif said.

It may be noted that the security forces killed 13 terrorists in five separate operations carried out across KP on Thursday night. Last year was one of the deadliest periods for security forces.

At least 685 members of security forces lost their lives in 444 terror attacks.

The year 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for civil and military security forces in a decade, according to a report released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, a think-tank focused on militancy.