Pakistan’s security forces killed four suspected militants during an intelligence based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District, according to a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations on Monday. The operation was launched following a tip off regarding the presence of militants linked to what authorities described as the Indian proxy group Fitna al Khawarij a term used for the banned Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The military said troops engaged the suspected militants’ hideout leading to an intense exchange of fire in which four militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. According to the statement those killed had been involved in multiple militant activities in the area. A clearance operation is ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats.

The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism efforts under the National Action Plan and the ongoing Azm e Istehkam campaign.

Separately three Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel were martyred and several others wounded in a militant attack in Karak District. Officials said militants used a quadcopter drone to drop explosives on an FC fort near Dargah Shaheedan injuring five personnel before further gunfire was reported.