UPPER DIR: An army major and three other security personnel were martyred when a suicide bom­ber blew himself up during an intelligence-based operation in Sheratkal village of Sultankhel Darra, Upper Dir, on Wednesday.

According to security officials and local administration, the incident took place when security personnel raided a house where militants were hiding. As they entered the house, the militants opened fire and one of them wearing a suicide jacket blew himself up, resulting in the death of Major Ali Salman, Hawal­dar Ghulam Nazir, Hawal­dar Akhtar and Levies soldier Abdul Karim. Four other security personnel were injured.

According to security officials, a militant was killed and another arrested during an exchange of fire. They said they had received information that militants, including suicide bombers, had entered from Afghanistan and were hiding in a house in Sheratkal, some 45km south of Dir town.

An ISPR official confirmed the casualties inflicted on security forces. “An officer and three soldiers sacrificed their lives while foiling a devastating terrorist activity. Maj Ali Salman of [an] intelligence agency along with his team conducted an IBO against a terrorist hideout in [Sheratkal in Upper Dir],” said a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations. It also confirmed the killing of a suicide bomber in the exchange of fire and the arrest of another terrorist. Deputy Commissioner Usman Mehsud said the operation was conducted on reports that a group of militants had entered the area from Afghanistan through Chitral or Lower Dir. He said that one of the dead personnel belonged to Dir Levies who was deployed with security personnel for the operation.

According to the ISPR press release, the funeral prayers for Major Ali Salman were held at the Lahore garrison.

Our Correspondent from Charasadda adds: Slain Hawaldar Akhtar Ali Khan was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Tangi area of Charsadda district. His funeral was attended by army officers and people of the area. A contingent of army personnel presented a salute on his grave. He left two children and a wife to mourn his death.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2017