TTP group confirms senior commander's killing in Waziristan clashes

Hazrat Zaman was actively involved in orchestrating attacks against security forces in both North and South Waziristan

PESHAWAR:

In a significant development, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction allied with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating in North Waziristan, has officially verified the death of their senior commander, Hazrat Zaman, also known as Khawarey Mullah, in clashes with security forces in K-P district’s Gharyoum area earlier this week.

In a statement released to the media, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group acknowledged the loss of their high-ranking commander, Hazrat Zaman. The statement also revealed that Hazrat Zaman had played an active role in coordinating attacks against security forces in both North and South Waziristan.

Read more: Four soldiers martyred, six terrorists killed

On October 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had also shared its own statement, detailing two fierce encounters between their troops and the terrorists in North and South Waziristan districts.

The first engagement occurred in North Waziristan District, where Pakistani troops effectively engaged the terrorists' position, resulting in the elimination of six terrorists, including the high-value target and terrorist ringleader, Hazrat Zaman, who had been actively involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area and was a prime target for law enforcement agencies.

The operation also incurred a heavy cost, with three valiant soldiers, Lance Naik Tabbasum UI Haq, aged 36 and from District Rawalpindi; Sepoy Naeem Akhtar, aged 30 and from District Attock; and Sepoy Abdul Hameed, aged 23 and from District Multan, who fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice.

In another intense firefight between security forces and terrorists in the general area of Asman Manza, South Waziristan District, Sepoy Farman Ali, aged 25 and hailing from District Kashmore, also embraced martyrdom.

The ISPR statement underlined ongoing efforts to sanitize the area and eliminate any remaining terrorists. It concluded by emphasizing the unwavering commitment of Pakistan's security forces to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country, with the sacrifices of these brave soldiers serving as a testament to their resolve.