Daily Times

Two soldiers were martyred, while three terrorists were killed during an operation in Balochistan’s Harnai district, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “On 14 Nov 2024, on [the] reported presence of terrorists planning to target innocent civilians in Harnai District, security forces under Major Muhammad Haseeb were immediately mobilised to sanitise the area.” It added: “Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly three terrorists were sent to hell.

“However, during the operation, an improvised explosive device exploded on the leading vehicle of security forces, resultantly, Major Muhammad Haseeb (28), a brave officer, who was leading his troops from the front, along with Havaldar Noor Ahmed (38), having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.”

The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging the peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve, the statement concluded, the statement added.

Later, the funeral prayer for Major Muhammad Haseeb was offered at Chaklala Garrison.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior military and civil officials participated in the funeral ceremony.

The chief of army staff expressed that the sacrifice being made by the valiant officers and soldiers exemplify the unwavering dedication towards defending the country against terrorism. He highlighted that the nation stands in solidarity with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in the fight against Fitna al Khawarij and all those who hold their reins.

Separately, five persons, including two children, were killed and 16 others injured in a blast in North Waziristan’s tehsil Miran Shah.

District Police Officer (DPO) Rokhanzeb has said that the explosive material went off outside a house in village Tappi of Miran Shah. “Three women and two children were killed in the explosion,” police officer said.

The explosion also damaged scores of houses in the locality. “Police further investigating into the blast incident,” DPO said.

Meanwhile, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive device as a police van drove nearby, without causing any damage or injuries in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province’s Charsadda district, local authorities reported.

The blast occurred close to a police station in the Umarzai area, near Akhun Dheri.

Officials stated that the bomber set off the explosives shortly after the police vehicle passed by.

Police confirmed the explosion’s impact was minimal, as no bystanders were nearby.