15 terrorists killed in two K-P operations

Four soldiers martyred in North Waziristan, 'Kharji' ring leaders among slain terrorists

RAWALPINDI:

Four soldiers were martyred while 15 terrorists were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.

K-P faces persistent security challenges due to its proximity with Afghanistan, where terrorist groups reportedly operate with impunity, allowing them to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan.

"On 15 February 2025, 15 khwarij were sent to hell by the security forces in two separate engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province," the military media affairs wing said in the statement.

The military uses the term "khwarij" for terrorists from the outlawed umbrella of violent groups which have found safe havens in Afghanistan following their rout from the erstwhile tribal belt in the 2014 military operation codenamed Zarb-e-Azb.

"An intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in general area Hathala, Dera Ismail Khan District, on reported presence of khwarij," the statement said.

"During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly, nine khwarij including Kharji ring leaders HVT Farman alias Saqib, Kharji Amanullah alias Toori, Kharji Saeed alias Liaqat and Kharji Bilal were sent to hell," it added.

The ISPR said the slain terrorists were involved in several terrorist activities in the area and were "highly wanted" by the law enforcement agencies.

It added that another operation was conducted in general area of Miranshah in North Waziristan where "six khwarij were effectively neutralised by the security forces".

"However, during an intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Ashraf, 21, resident of Lahore district, leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom along with his three men," the ISPR said.

"The three soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal, 39, resident of Dera Ismail Khan district, Sepoy Farhatullah, 27, resident of Lakki Marwat district and Sepoy Himat Khan, 29, resident of Momand district," it added.

The military's media affairs wing said sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.

"Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve," the statement concluded.

Separately, the ISPR in a statement said the funeral prayers for Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Ashraf were offered at Lahore Garrison.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior military and civil officials and the martyr's family members attended the funeral prayers.

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for their successful operation against terrorists in K-P, paying tribute to the four martyred security personnel.

In a statement released by the President Secretariat Press Wing, President Zardari said the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its valiant martyrs, and praised their patriotism and bravery.

He reiterated the "unflinching national resolve" to continue operations until the complete elimination of terrorism.

The prime minister paid tribute to the martyred personnel who laid down their lives while fighting bravery during the operation, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement.

The premier said that he, along with the entire nation, was proud of the martyrs and their families.

He said that they would not let terrorists succeed in their nefarious designs and disrupt peace in the country.

He commended the officers and jawans of the Pakistan armed forces for tirelessly defending and protecting the country, selflessly risking their lives.

The nation salutes the brave forces for their unwavering resolve to protect the motherland," the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.

The president and prime minister prayed for the high ranks of the martyred security personnel and expressed condolences with the bereaved families.