Pakistan: Army officer, 3 soldiers killed in encounter with militants in Khyber district

During an intense exchange of fire between Pakistan military and militants, an army officer and three soliders were killed in Khyber district on Monday.

The media wing of the Pakistan Army, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement said Lt. Col Muhammad Hassan Haider and three soldiers were killed during an intelligence-base operation that resulted in heavy exchange of fire.

According to ISPR, three militants were gunned down and three others were injured. During the operation, Pakistan Army troops led by Lt. Colonel Haider effectively "engaged the terrorists' location", the statement said.

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed deep sorrow and grief over the incident. Kakar vowed that the fight against terror will continue in the nation.

This comes after 14 soldiers were killed on Friday when militants ambushed two vehicles carrying security forces to Ormara area of Gwadar district in Balochistan.

Since a ceasefire deal between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the government ended in November last year, Friday's toll was the heaviest blow to the military in recent times.

Recently, militants also attacked the Pakistan’s air force base destroying two planes. The military had neutralised the militants, who entered the base.