Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Six soldiers were martyred and six Khawarij terrorists were killed in North Waziristan after security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO), the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to the Inter Services-Public Relations (ISPR), six Khawarij (TTP terrorists) were neutralised during an exchange of fire that took place between the security forces and terrorists on the night of October 4/5 in Spinwam general area of North Waziristan.
The statement said that six brave soldiers including Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat, who was leading the troops, were martyred.
The five soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice were identified as Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah, Lance Naik Akhtar Zaman, Lance Naik Shahid Ullah, Lance Naik Yusaf Ali and Sepoy Jameel Ahmed.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies conducted a joint IBO in Charbagh Swat district, killing two Khwarij including Kharji ring leader Atta Ullah alias Mehran.
One Kharji was apprehended in injured condition.
Mehran remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including the Improvised Explosive Device blast (IED) on a Police Vehicle escorting the convoy of foreign dignitaries in Swat last month.
The statement said that sanitization is being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji in the area.
The military’s media wing said that stated that the sacrifices of these brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.
“Pakistan's security forces are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism, and a sanitisation operation is underway to clear the area of remaining militants,” the ISPR said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have appreciated security forces' successful operation against Khawarij terrorists in North Waziristan.
In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the brave soldiers including Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat for sacrificing their lives while fighting terrorists.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his statement, paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat and five other soldiers on embracing martyrdom while valiantly fighting the terrorists.
He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and expressed condolences with their families.
PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan Army has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
The prime minister said entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs.