8 people killed in a bomb blast in scenic Swat valley 

By Mashal Khan

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 people including three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in two separate terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 

According to ISPR, Terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border, opened fire on Pakistani troops in general area Kharlachi, Kurram District.

“Pakistan Army troops responded in a befitting manner. As per credible intelligence reports, due to fire of own troops, terrorists suffered heavy casualties,” said ISPR in a statement.

During fire exchange, Naik Muhammad Rehman (age 32 years, resident of Karak), Naik Maweez Khan (age 34 years, resident of Jamrud, Khyber) and Sepoy Irfan Ullah (age 27 yrs, resident of Dargai, Malakand), having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat. 

“Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that Afghan Government will not allow conduct of such activities, in future. 

Pak Army is determined to defend Pakistan’s borders against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” said Pakistan Army.

Attacks on the Pakistan army and police have increased in recent days in the border areas along with the Afghan border despite cease-fire between Pakistani security forces and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Following 2014 large-scale army operations against TTP, most of the militants fled away to Afghanistan and set up bases across the border to attack Pakistani security forces.

Meanwhile, at least eight people were killed in a roadside blast in Swat district where TTP targeted a vehicle of local peace committee member Idress Khan.

According to police, the terror attack occurred late Tuesday and two security personnel also lost their lives in the blast.

TTP claimed responsibility for both attacks.