Soldier martyred in North Waziristan IBO

Sepoy Shakeel Shafqat fought gallantly against terrorists but embraced martyrdom in Mir Ali area, says ISPR

A soldier of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom on Saturday during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district’s Mir Ali area, the military said in a statement.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intense exchange of fire took place between the troops and terrorists during the operation.

“Own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location. However, during the operation, Sepoy Shakeel Shafqat (age 21 years, resident of District Khanewal), having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat,” it added.

ISPR said that sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found 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,” it further said.

Also read: Six soldiers martyred in South Waziristan: ISPR

Earlier this month, another soldier of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom in a gun battle with terrorists in North Waziristan district.

According to ISPR, the fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists in general area Mir Ali, where army troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location.

However, during intense exchange of fire, Lance Naik Jamshed Khan, a 28-year-old resident of Upper Dir district, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom, it added.

Last month, at least six soldiers were martyred in a skirmish with terrorists in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan district, ISPR said.

The military's media wing added that at least four terrorists were also killed while two were injured in the fighting.