Pakistan’s security forces eliminated five Indian-sponsored terrorists during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in the Razmak area of North Waziristan on Friday, while a Pakistan Army officer embraced martyrdom after leading his troops from the front during an intense exchange of fire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on August 1 after security forces received credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in the Razmak area.
During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of five Indian-sponsored Khwarij. The military said the operation dealt another significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the region.
During the fierce exchange of fire, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, embraced shahadat while courageously leading his troops from the front. The military described the officer as a brave commander who fought gallantly until his last breath in the line of duty.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition from the eliminated terrorists. According to the military, the Khwarij had remained actively involved in numerous terrorist attacks against security forces and law enforcement agencies, besides the killing of innocent civilians.
A sanitization operation is continuing in the area to ensure that no other terrorists remain hidden in the vicinity. Security officials said troops are combing the area to eliminate any remaining elements linked to the terrorist network.
The latest operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing nationwide counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies continue intelligence based operations across terrorism-affected regions to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, disrupt facilitation networks and prevent future attacks.
The military reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country. It emphasized that the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who lay down their lives in defence of the homeland further strengthen the nation’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until lasting peace is restored.
