Rawalpindi: A Pakistan Army captain and five soldiers embraced martyrdom on Tuesday during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Dogar area of Kurram District, where security forces engaged Indian-sponsored militants belonging to the group Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched following reports of the presence of foreign-backed terrorists in the region. During the fierce exchange of fire, seven militants were killed as security forces responded effectively to enemy fire.
However, the encounter also claimed the lives of six Pakistani troops, including Captain Noman Saleem, a 24-year-old medical officer from Mianwali, who fought bravely while tending to his comrades.
The other soldiers who embraced shahadat (martyrdom) were:
- Havildar Amjad Ali, 39, resident of Swabi
- Naik Waqas Ahmad, 36, resident of Rawalpindi
- Sepoy Aijaz Ali, 23, resident of Shikarpur
- Sepoy Muhammad Waleed, 23, resident of Jhelum
- Sepoy Muhammad Shahbaz, 32, resident of Khairpur
ISPR said a sanitization operation is underway to ensure the elimination of any remaining terrorists in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.
The operation is part of the ongoing “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, aimed at eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism and restoring long-term stability in the country.
