KHYBER AGENCY: Pakistan Army said on Friday that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were being skillfully neutralised by advancing troops with the support of army engineers in Khyber Agency’s Rajgal valley, days after Operation Khyber IV was launched. The major offensive was initiated in the valley on July 16 to prevent the Afghanistan-based franchise of the Islamic State from making inroads into the tribal regions. On Thursday, several hideouts of terrorists were decimated in a synchronised blitzkrieg by army and air force in the Rajgal Valley of Khyber Agency. “During clearance operation, Sepoy Muhammad Yasir embraced shahadat due to an IED blast, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. “His funeral prayers were offered at Peshawar garrison today.” “Operation Khyber 4 [is] progressing as planned,” the statement said. “Ground troops have established posts on important heights in Rajgal,” it said. Security officials said that the BDS personnel were busy clearing the area when the incident occurred. Another soldier, Tabrez, was also injured and shifted to military health centre for medical aid. Rajgal is the area of Tehsil Jamrud, Khyber Agency. Earlier, 300 families of local tribesmen had vacated their homes. They have taken refuge in adjoining towns. Published in Daily Times, July 22nd , 2017.