Army major martyred, 5 terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): A Pakistan Army major was martyred while five Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), that security forces conducted an IBO in the Razmak area on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij.
During the operation, five India-sponsored Khawarij were killed due to effective engagement by security forces.

"However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi (age: 34 years, resident of District 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 security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as in the killing of civilians.

The military’s media wing said that sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other India-sponsored terrorist found in the area.

“Relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by 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. Such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have appreciated the security forces for killing five terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in North Waziristan today.

In their separate statements, they paid rich tribute to Shaheed Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, who embraced martyrdom while gallantly fighting the terrorists.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to security forces for successful IBO in North Waziristan.

In a statement, he said the killing of five terrorists of Indian sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij, in the military operation is a manifestation of the courage and determination of the security forces.

The President lauded Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, who was martyred during the operation, and said that the nation will always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons.

“Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi Shaheed set a high example of duty, courage and leadership by sacrificing his life in the defence of the homeland. The great sacrifices of the martyrs further strengthen the national resolve to defend Pakistan,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for successfully carrying out an intelligence-based operation against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in Razmak area of North Waziristan, in which five terrorists were killed.

The prime minister commended the professionalism and bravery of the security forces for eliminating terrorists and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the armed forces in their fight against terrorism.

He also paid glowing tribute to Pakistan Army Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi who embraced martyrdom while courageously confronting terrorists during the operation.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the prime minister prayed that Almighty Allah grant the martyr the highest ranks in Jannah and bless his family with patience and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the country’s security forces were achieving remarkable successes against terrorist elements.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to national security, the prime minister said Pakistan remained determined to eliminate every form of terrorism from the country and would continue its efforts until lasting peace was ensured.