Two officers among six soldiers martyred, eight terrorists killed in Hangu: ISPR
- Martyred officers identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Sheraz Babar
Security forces killed eight terrorists in Hangu, but six personnel, including two officers, were martyred in the exchange. A sanitization operation is underway as the counter-terrorism campaign continues.
- Deadly clash between security forces and terrorists.
- Martyrdom of six security personnel, including two officers.
- Ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, Azm-e-Istehkam.
Eight terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Khwarij were killed during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in Hangu district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to the military’s media wing, the firefight took place when a security forces convoy came under engagement by the Khwarij. The troops effectively engaged the terrorists, killing eight of them.
However, the military said, six security personnel also embraced martyrdom during the intense exchange of fire, including two officers who were leading their troops from the front.
The martyred officers were identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, a resident of Gujranwala district, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, a resident of Chakwal district. Four other soldiers also lost their lives in the clash.
The ISPR said a sanitisation operation was underway in the area to eliminate any other terrorists found there.
It said the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, would continue with full force to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
The military’s media wing said the sacrifices of the soldiers further reinforced the security forces’ commitment to safeguarding the country.
PM pays tribute to martyred personnel
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight terrorists in the Hangu operation and expressed condolences over the deaths of Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Sheraz Babar and four other soldiers.
“The martyred officers and soldiers have demonstrated exceptional courage in defending the country and fighting terrorism,” the prime minister said.
He expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and prayed for the departed souls and patience for their families.
Shehbaz said: “Operations against Fitna Al-Khwarij would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.”
He reiterated that actions under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with full force to eliminate what he described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.