Daily Times

Two Pakistan Army soldiers, including a captain, embraced martyrdom, while eight terrorists were killed in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR): “Eight khwarij have been sent to hell in two separate operations conducted in KP from November 29 to December 1, 2024.”

An intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in the general area of Baka Khel, Bannu District, based on reports of terrorists’ presence.

The ISPR stated that security forces effectively engaged the militants’ location during the operation, killing five terrorists and injuring nine.

However, during the operation, Sepoy Iftikhar Hussain, 29, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom.

In another operation, the security forces neutralised three terrorists and arrested two in the general area of Shagai, Khyber District.

During the intense exchange of fire, Captain Muhammad Zohaib Ud Din, 25, who was leading his troops from the front, fought bravely, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

According to the military’s media wing, the militants were involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as innocent civilians.

“Sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as security forces were determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthened our resolve,” said the ISPR.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the security forces for conducting two successful operations against “Fitna-al-Khawarij” in KP.

In their separate messages, they praised the bravery of security forces for killing eight terrorists. They also paid rich tribute to Captain Zohaib and Sepoy Iftikhar who embraced martyrdom in the operations against militants.

President Zardari said the sacrifices of martyrs for the security of motherland will not go waste. He reiterated his commitment to continue the actions against the menace of terrorism till its complete elimination.

PM Shehbaz said terrorists and anti-state elements will not succeed in their nefarious designs of spreading chaos in the country. He said the nation will not forget the sacrifices of martyrs.