The security forces launched a major operation against terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij in Orakzai, eliminating all 30 terrorists involved in the deadly attack that claimed the lives of Lt Col Junaid Tariq, Major Tayyab Rahat, and nine soldiers, the security sources confirmed in a late night statement on Thursday.
They said the operation successfully targeted the entire terrorist network behind the Orakzai assault.
The security officials reaffirmed that the armed forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism from the country and ensuring lasting peace and stability.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its allies.
A day earlier, the military's media wing ISPR stated that eleven servicemen — including two officers — were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai, adding that 19 terrorists were also eliminated in the engagement.
"Security forces conducted an IBO in Orakzai district on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij. During the conduct of operation, 19 Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops," the ISPR said.
The operation triggered a fierce gunfight. "During the intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq (age: 39 years, resident of Rawalpindi district), leading his troops from the front, along with second in command Major Tayyab Rahat (age: 33 years, resident of Rawalpindi district) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat along with his nine men," the statement added.
The ISPR identified the martyred soldiers as Naib Subedar Azam Gul, 38, from Khyber; Naik Adil Hussain, 35, from Kurram; Naik Gul Ameer, 34, from Tank; Lance Naik Sher Khan, 31, from Mardan; Lance Naik Talish Faraz, 32, from Manshera; Lance Naik Irshad Hussain, 32, from Kurram; Sepoy Tufail Khan, 28, from Malakand; Sepoy Aqib Ali, 23, from Swabi; and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid, 24, from Tank.
"A sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khwaraji found in the area," the ISPR said, adding that such sacrifices of our brave men strengthen the resolve of Pakistan's security forces to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country.
Separately, an army major embraced martyrdom during an IBO by security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district, the military confirmed in a statement on Thursday, adding that seven terrorists were also eliminated in the engagement.
"During the conduct of operation, due to effective engagement by own troops, seven Indian sponsored khawarij were sent to hell in the general area Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan district," the ISPR said in a statement.
The operation triggered a fierce gunfight. "During the intense fire exchange, Major Sibtain Haider (age: 30 years, resident of District Quetta), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat."
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khawarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.
"Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Khawarji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve," the statement said.
Meanwhile, funeral prayer of Major Sibtain Haider Shaheed was offered at Chaklala Garrison. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, information minister, military and civil officers and public attended the funeral, said a statement issued by ISPR.
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the officers and soldiers of Pakistan's security forces for a successful operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister paid tribute to Major Sibtain Haider, who was martyred after bravely fighting during the operation, thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemy.
"Major Sibtain set a great example by sacrificing his life in defence of the country," President Zardari said, expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the martyred officer.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the brave officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces were working day and night to safeguard the country.
"The entire nation, including myself, is proud of the courage and dedication of our armed forces," he said, reaffirming the government's commitment to continue the war until the complete eradication of terrorism from Pakistan.
He added that the nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the homeland.
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