Four soldiers martyred in South Waziristan

Five terrorists also killed in gunbattle

RAWALPINDI:

The security forces killed five terrorists during an exchange of fire in Karama, South Waziristan, while four personnel of the security forces embraced martyrdom in the gun battle.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, "five Khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops."

The security personnel, who embraced martyrdom during intense fire exchange, were identified as 38-year-old Naib Subedar Taib Shah, resident of District Tank; 30-year-old Lance Naik Gulab Zaman, resident of District Karak; 30-year-old Lance Naik Muzammil Mehmood, resident of District Karak and 28-year-old Lance Naik Habibullah, resident of District Orakzai.

Naib Subedar Taib Shah spent 20 years for defending the motherland, Lance Naik Gulab Zaman served for 9 years, Lance Naik Muzammil Mehmood and Lance Naik Habibullah served for 7 years each.

"Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," read the ISPR news release.

Meanwhile, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for killing five terrorists in Karama area of South Waziristan.

In their separate messages, the acting president and the prime minister also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of soldiers of the security forces. They saluted the security personnel who sacrificed their lives while defending their homeland.

They said the sacrifices of the brave soldiers will never go in vain. They also prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and for grant of patience to their families to bear the loss.

(More input from APP)