Web Desk: Security forces foiled an attempted exfiltration by suspected militants near the international border in the Thal sector, killing five militants in a series of engagements over two days, officials said on Sunday.
The operation unfolded after troops detected movement by a militant group attempting to slip out of the area, triggering coordinated action by army and special forces units.
Following the detection of the exfiltration attempt on Feb. 7, troops from the 122 Infantry Brigade, 72 Special Forces and 253 Infantry Brigade launched multiple engagements across the area of operations in the Thal sector, officials said.
An ambush party from the 253 Infantry Brigade killed two militants during contact near Wachapala on Friday, effectively disrupting the group’s escape route, according to the military.
Building on the earlier action, troops conducted an extensive area search operation on Saturday in Wachapala and surrounding locations assessed as likely militant hideouts.
The operation involved about 90 troops, including personnel from the 253 Infantry Brigade and a special operations group. Forces sanitized and dominated vacant ground behind the international border fence, scanning the area for remaining militants or traces of movement.
During the search, troops recovered the body of one militant along with a weapon, officials said. No further footprints or evidence of militant presence were found in the area.
Security forces recovered a damaged submachine gun, three magazines, two grenades and ammunition, including submachine gun and heavy machine gun rounds, the military said.
Other items seized included Pakistani and Afghan currency, a bandolier, injections and painkillers, dry fruits, clothing and shoes, as well as personal effects such as a pen, perfume, a small Quran and a skullcap.
Officials said the recoveries suggest the group had prepared for sustained movement, reinforcing assessments that the militants were attempting to exfiltrate after earlier infiltration.
Authorities said operations in the sector remain under review, though no additional militant activity has been detected so far.
