Army major martyred: Security forces kill 12 militants in KP, Balochistan operations

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces killed 12 militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan and Balochistan, while a Pakistan Army major embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire in North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to the military’s media wing, five militants belonging to the banned outfit Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Razmak area of North Waziristan district. The operation was launched on the basis of information regarding the presence of militants in the area.

The ISPR said security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing all five. During the intense exchange of fire, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops from the front. The military described him as a brave officer who fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.

In a separate operation conducted on the night of July 30 and 31 in Nushki district of Balochistan, security forces targeted terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan following intelligence reports about their presence.

According to the ISPR, the terrorists’ hideout was identified, monitored and destroyed through a prompt surgical operation, resulting in the killing of seven militants, including a suicide bomber. A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices was also destroyed at the site.

The ISPR said sanitisation operations are underway in both areas to eliminate any remaining militants. It added that the country’s counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.

The military reaffirmed that the sacrifices of its personnel strengthen its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.

Five militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by Pakistan’s security forces in the Razmak area of North Waziristan district on Saturday, while a Pakistan Army major embraced martyrdom during an intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said.

According to the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on reports of presence of militants belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij. During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing five of them. The ISPR said that during the fierce exchange of fire, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops from the front. The military described him as a brave officer who fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.