PESHAWAR: Security forces detected and engaged a group of militants near Shadi Khel in the Spinwam area in North Waziristan late on Friday, security sources said.
According to details, movement of 15 to 18 militants was first spotted through a thermal imaging camera at an STS post. The group was seen moving west towards Yashkhulla Nullah. Their movement was later tracked using surveillance quadcopters as they approached a built-up area, said the sources.
At around 10:35pm, the militants noticed the surveillance drone and dispersed into nearby vegetation in small groups.
Sources said extensive aerial surveillance followed, after which six air strikes were carried out. Four strikes were executed by Aba Khel Post under 243 Wing, while two strikes were conducted by BDU at brigade headquarters level.
As a result, nine to ten militants were confirmed hit, with four to five killed. Bodies were seen lying at the site, while some were reportedly recovered by other militants. The engagement lasted for over an hour and continued until around 11:40pm.
Intercepted communications also confirmed injuries to several militants, according to sources.
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