Rawalpindi, December 1, 2024-Two Army personnel, including a captain, embraced martyrdom while eight terrorists were neutralized in two separate counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR stated, “Eight Khawarij have been sent to hell in two operations conducted in KP from November 29 to December 1, 2024.”
An intelligence-based operation (IBO) was carried out in Baka Khel, Bannu District, targeting the presence of militants. During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing five and injuring nine. However, Sepoy Iftikhar Hussain, 29, embraced martyrdom after displaying exceptional bravery.
In another operation in the Shagai area of Khyber District, security forces neutralized three terrorists and apprehended two others. Leading his troops valiantly during the intense exchange of fire, Captain Muhammad Zohaib Ud Din, 25, sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
According to the ISPR, the neutralized terrorists were involved in various attacks targeting security forces and civilians. Following the operations, sanitization efforts are ongoing to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining militants.
“Such sacrifices by our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country,” the ISPR statement read.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of the security forces in eliminating “Fitna-al-Khawarij” and paid tribute to Captain Zohaib and Sepoy Iftikhar for their ultimate sacrifice.
President Zardari reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and reiterated his commitment to eradicating terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that anti-state elements would not succeed in their nefarious designs, and the nation would forever honor the sacrifices of its heroes.