An intense exchange of fire in the Zarkani area of Dera Ismail Khan left six terrorists dead and two soldiers martyred, Geo News reported on October 25, 2026. The operation unfolded on October 24 when security forces moved on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, according to statements from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cited by Geo News.
According to Geo News, quoting the ISPR, the operation resulted in the deaths of 36-year-old Naik Ghulam Murtaza from Gujrat district and 30-year-old Sepoy Taseer Ahmed from Talagang district. The military's media wing stated that the two soldiers fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice, while forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain terrorists.
Background
Geo News reported that the operation in the Zarkani area targeted individuals belonging to what the ISPR described as an Indian proxy, Fitna Al Khwarij. According to the military's media wing, the slain terrorists had been actively involved in numerous attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies, and the killing of civilians.
Why it matters
The ISPR stated, as reported by Geo News, that the counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism. The military noted that such sacrifices reinforce its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation.
What's next
According to Geo News, a sanitisation operation was underway in the area to eliminate any other terrorists found present.