Bloody shootout in Upper Swat: Four militants eliminated, CTD cop martyred
Police confirms several militants were injured during joint operation: Elite Force constable Gulfam lost his life in an exchange of gunfire: Senior police officials are supervising the operation as security forces maintain the cordon
Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) have claimed to have killed four suspected militants and injured several others during a joint operation against members of the group referred to by the authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij in the Matta area of Swat, according to reports on Wednesday.
Officials said security forces successfully took control of a key strategic position in the Rashid Sar area during the latest phase of the operation. The action forms part of an ongoing campaign against suspected militants in Upper Swat.
Earlier on Wednesday, 24NewsHD TV reported that police and CTD personnel had killed several suspected militants during a separate operation in the Shalkho Sar area of Upper Swat. During that exchange of fire, Elite Force officer Gulfam was martyred while performing his duties.
Police said several militants were killed or injured during the earlier operation and that security forces had surrounded the remaining suspects while continuing clearance operations. The operation is being supervised by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Malakand, together with the District Police Officers (DPO) of Swat and Upper Swat.
Swat Police reiterated their commitment to restoring peace, saying they were prepared to make every sacrifice necessary to ensure security in the region as the operation continues.
Reporter: Haider Ali Jan