Soldier martyred, 15 terrorists killed in Zhob

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces killed 15 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Zhob district of Balochistan and recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition, including explosives, from their possession, the army said on Tuesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement that a soldier embraced martyrdom while fighting the terrorists in the general area of Sambaza in the district.

"On 10 December 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Sambaza, Zhob District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly 15 Khawarij were sent to hell," the ISPR statement read.

"A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed Khawarij. However, during intense exchange of fire, Sep Arif ur Rehman (age 32 years; resident of Mansehra District), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat," it added.

The ISPR said that a sanitisation operation was being conducted to neutralise any other terrorist in the area. "Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," it added.

Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, lauded the security forces for their successful operation in Zhob. They praised the bravery of the forces. They paid tribute to Sepoy Arifur Rehman Shaheed, who sacrificed his life while thwarting the terrorists.

They expressed their determination to continue operations until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism. The president and the prime minister said that the entire nation was with the security forces in the war against terrorism.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)