Army major martyred in fire exchange with terrorists in North Waziristan: ISPR

An army major was martyred on Saturday in exchange of fire with terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Razmak area of North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said.

During the operation, five Indian-sponsored Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members alias Khwarij were also killed, “due to effective engagement by own troops”, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

“However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, resident of Mianwali, a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” the ISPR said.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces and law enforcement agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians, the military stated.

“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area, as the counter terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan, by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs,” it maintained.

President, PM pay tribute to security forces

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday praised the security forces for a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Razmak area of North Waziristan, in which five terrorists, described by the government as members of the “Fitna al-Khwarij,” were killed.

In separate statements, President Zardari said the elimination of the five terrorists, whom he described as being backed by India, reflected the courage, professionalism and resolve of the security forces.

The president also paid tribute to Pakistan Army Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, who embraced martyrdom during the operation, saying the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons. “The fallen officer set a high example of duty, courage and leadership by laying down his life in defence of the country,” he stated. He added that the sacrifices of the martyrs further strengthened Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its security.

PM Shehbaz also commended the security forces for successfully carrying out the operation and killing five terrorists.

The premier paid tribute to Major Hafiz Ehsan for bravely confronting the terrorists and sacrificing his life in the line of duty. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and expressed condolences to his bereaved family.

“The security forces are achieving significant successes against terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision,” Shehbaz said and reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate terrorism from the country.