The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), termed Commander Ihsan Ullah alias Ihsan Sanray’s killing a major “breakthrough” and said that he along with his three accomplices was killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Ghariom area, Dawn News reported.

Official sources told Dawn that when security forces raided a hideout of terrorists in the area they came under attack, triggering an exchange of fire between troops and the terrorists.

The sources said the terrorists hiding in the compound also hurled hand grenades at the raiding team, but the security forces remained safe, while the four terrorists were killed in the firing.

ISPR tweeted: "In a major breakthrough, terrorist commander Ihsan Ullah alias Ihsan Sanray along with 3 other terrorists killed during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) today in Ghariom, Shaktu near the inter district boundary of North and South Waziristan. Ihsan Sanray masterminded numerous terrorist activities. More recently he was involved in planning and execution of terrorist attacks in Shaktu area which led to martyrdom of several soldiers & offrs including Lt Nasir (Shaheed) and Capt Sabih (Shaheed)."

The Pakistan security officials carried out the move ahead of a crucial meeting of Asia-Pacific Joint Group of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which is scheduled for September 15-16.

Pakistan is eyeing to clear its name from the grey list.