ALPURI: Militants escaped on Wednesday after an exchange of fire with security personnel during a search-and-strike operation in the Machkandai area of the Shangla district, police said.
According to Shangla Police, the operation was launched in the jurisdiction of Choga Police Station after authorities received credible intelligence early in the morning that militants were present in the area and were on the move.
Police spokesperson said the operation was led by District Police Officer (DPO) Shah Hassan and involved personnel from Shangla Police, the Elite Force, and the Counter Terrorism Department.
Law-enforcement personnel cordoned off Machkandai and the surrounding localities before conducting extensive search operations at multiple locations to trace and apprehend the suspected militants.
During the operation, security forces exchanged fire with the militants. However, the suspects managed to escape by taking advantage of the dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain, police said.
Authorities added that intelligence-based operations and search efforts are continuing in the area to locate and arrest the fleeing militants.
During the operation, senior police officials also met local elders in Machkandai and nearby villages, urging them to continue cooperating with law enforcement by promptly reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to help maintain peace and eliminate terrorism.
Speaking on the occasion, the DPO reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace in the district, protecting the lives and property of citizens, and eradicating terrorism.
