Lt Col, five soldiers martyred in Waziristan
Army chief Gen Syed Asim Munir and senior army officers carry the coffin of Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat after attending his funeral prayers in Peshawar on October 5, 2024. Photo: PPI
An army officer and five soldiers on Saturday embraced martyrdom in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in Spinwam area of North Waziristan district, the military's media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six khawarij (terrorists) were eliminated due to effective engagement by the army troops during the clash that took place between the security forces and terrorists.
However, during the intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat, who was leading his troops, embraced martyrdom.
The five soldiers who "paid the ultimate sacrifice" were identified as Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah, Lance Naik Akhtar Zaman, Lance Naik Shahid Ullah, Lance Naik Yusaf Ali and Sepoy Jameel Ahmed.
"Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other khwarji found in the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the ISPR said.
Funeral prayers
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir along with senior army and civil officers, soldiers and relatives of the martyrs offered the funeral prayers at Peshawar Garrison.
The bodies of the martyrs were sent to their native towns where they will be buried with full military honors.
President, PM messages
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tributes to the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists in Spinwam area of North Waziristan resulting in killing of six Khawarij terrorists.
In a statement issued by the President House, Asif Zardari lauded the brave soldiers of Pakistan Army who laid their lives during fight against the terrorists.
He commended patriotic spirit of Lt Colonel Muhammad Ali Shaukat and other soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the defence of their homeland.
The president expressed the commitment to continue operations against terrorists.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and prayed for the elevation of ranks of all martyrs in Jannah. He also prayed to Allah Almighty to grant patience to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for killing six Khawarij terrorists in a successful operation against the terrorists in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan.
The prime minister paid tribute to Lt Colonel Muhammad Shaukat, Lance Naik Muhammad Ullah, Lance Naik Akhtar Zaman, Lance Naik Shahid Ullah, Lance Naik Yousaf, and Sepoy Jameel Ahmed, who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the terrorists.
In a statement, the prime minister prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and expressed condolences to their families.
The entire nation salutes the martyrs, the prime minister added. He said Pakistan Army had made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Swat IBO
The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) on Saturday killed two terrorists, including the ring leader Atta Ullah alias Mehran, during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in general area Charbagh, Swat district.
"The khwariji ring leader and anther terrorist got eliminated after an intense exchange of fire exchange while one khwarji was apprehended in injured condition, an ISPR news release said.
Khwariji Atta Ullah alias Mehran remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including the improvised explosive device blast on a police vehicle escorting the convoy of foreign dignitaries in Swat on September 22.