A joint operation against the Fitna Al-Khwarij, a name used to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, killed at least five militants in Upper Dir.

The joint operation involved the Police Elite Force, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) against militants from the Fitna Al-Khwarij, and continued late into the night in various upper areas of Dir district.

According to reports on Monday morning, the operation resulted in the deaths of five militants in the areas of Dubando, Brekot, and Salam Kot Hatan Dara.

District Police Officer (DPO) of Upper Dir, Syed Muhammad Bilal, confirmed that four of the five militants’ bodies have been recovered. However, the exchange of fire also resulted in the death of one civilian, identified as Yar Muhammad, from the Salam Kot area. Eight police officers sustained injuries during the operation. Yar Muhammad’s funeral prayers were held late last night at the Police Lines.

The operation follows a militant attack on a police vehicle in Panah Kot, Dir, on the night of August 14th. That attack resulted in the deaths of three police officers and injuries to six others. The ongoing operation aims to suppress the activities of the militant group.