Five militants killed, two soldiers martyred in Swabi operation

ISPR says terrorists were planning to target educational institutions and judicial complexes

ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistan Army officials, including a captain, were martyred during an exchange of fire in the Malikabad area of Swabi  on Tuesday.

Security forces were conducting an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the area when they came under attack, military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The deceased were identified as Captain Junaid and Sepoy Amjad.



Immediately after the incident, the troops cordoned the area.

The raid was being conducted under newly-launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, which was initiated after a wave of terrorists’ attack across the country last month.

At least five terrorists were also killed in exchange of fire with troops in Swabi, the ISPR added.

“Five terrorists, who were killed during an IBO in Malikabad, Swabi today, were planning to target educational institutions and judicial complexes," it said.



“Sacrifice of our shaheeds will not go waste. Terrorist will be brought to their end and held accountable for their Fasaad,” the military’s media wing quoted Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.

According to the ISPR, three terrorists were identified, including Majid alias Khalid, Yousaf alias Chota Khalid and Jawaad. All three belong to proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)'s Swabi chapter.

TTP claims responsibility

The TTP claimed responsibility for Tuesday's clashes with the security forces. In a message sent to media, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani said the outlawed terror outfit was involved in clashes with the security forces in Swabi.

A day earlier, five Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in cross fire as militants from Afghanistan attacked three border posts in Mohmand Agency.

Funeral prayers offered

Meanwhile, funeral prayers of martyred Captain Junaid and Sepoy Amjad were offered at the Peshawar Garrison.

Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lt Gen Bilal Akbar, corps commander Peshawar and other civil, military officials attended, and ISPR statement said.

Lt Gen Bilal Akbar, Chief of General Staff(CGS) Pakistan Army, shoulders coffin of a shaheed of Swabi IBO today. PHOTO: ISPR

Bodies will be taken to their native areas for burial with full military honour.