MIRANSHAH: Seven terrorists were killed and four security personnel martyred in a clash in Mama Ziarat area in Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan district on Wednesday, official and local sources said.

The terrorists holed up in a compound started firing at the security forces when they approached their hideout during a search operation. The clash caused casualties as seven terrorists were killed and four security personnel embraced martyrdom. One soldier was also injured in the exchange of fire. The martyred soldiers were identified as Lieutenant Agha Muqadas Ali Khan, a 26-year-old belonging to Lahore; Lance Havaldar Qamar Nadeem, 36, a resident of Layyah; Sepoy Muhammad Qasim, 24, also hailing from Layyah; and 23-year old Sepoy Tauseef from Narowal.

Local people said curfew was imposed in the area after the incident and several suspects were arrested during the subsequent search operation. Later, the curfew was relaxed. North Waziristan is the most troubled district among the newly merged districts as terrorists continue to attack their rivals and also the security forces. A large cache of arms, ammunition & IEDs was recovered from the hideout during clearance.