7 TTP militants killed in NW Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Oct 9: In a recent intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, military forces killed at least seven terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by the government as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” The operation occurred in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan district, based on intelligence regarding the terrorists’ presence. The military reported the death of an army Major during the engagement, amid heavy fighting that also resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the militants, who were implicated in various terrorist activities and civilian fatalities. Following the operation, which took place shortly after the deaths of 11 military personnel in clashes with TTP fighters, a sanitisation operation is underway to eradicate any remaining threats in the area. The TTP’s resurgence in violence has been noted since it ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies in its operations. (PTI)
6 abducted in NW Pakistan; petroleum staff among victims
PESHAWAR, Oct 9: At least six individuals, including petroleum company drivers and irrigation department officials, were abducted by unidentified men in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as reported by police on Thursday. The abductions occurred in separate incidents within Bannu district on Wednesday. Four drivers were taken along with their trucks in the Baka Khel area, while two irrigation officials were kidnapped during a canal inspection in Pipal Bazar, located in Banda Daud Shah tehsil. The police have filed cases for both incidents and initiated a significant search operation to locate the perpetrators. Data from the Bannu district administration reveals that 23 individuals have been kidnapped in the past six weeks, including officials from various sectors, teachers, polio workers, a school principal, and retired security personnel. Out of these, seven have been recovered, while 16 remain unaccounted for, including five power company employees abducted nearly a month ago. Bannu is recognized as a highly unstable district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where terrorist activities against security forces, police, and government officials are prevalent. (PTI)
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 47 Indian fishermen
COLOMBO, Oct 9: On Thursday, 47 Indian fishermen were arrested and their five trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan Navy at Talaimannar for alleged illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The arrests occurred during patrols in the Mannar and Delft sea areas, with the fishermen and their equipment set to be handed over to the fisheries inspectorate for further action. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in India-Sri Lanka relations regarding fishing rights, with previous such arrests and incidents reported, including the firing on Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy. (PTI)
