Seven terrorists killed, captain among six soldiers martyred in Kurram IBO: ISPR

PM Shehbaz, President Zardari lauds security forces, says nation takes pride in bravery of its 'valiant sons'

Six Pakistan Army soldiers, including a captain, were martyred while seven Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Kurram District, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the operation in the general area of Dogar, Kurram District, after receiving reports about the presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy group Fitna al Khwarij. “During the conduct of the operation, seven Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by our troops,” the ISPR said in a statement.

It added that during an intense exchange of fire, Captain Noman Saleem, aged 24 and a resident of Mianwali, embraced shahadat along with five soldiers. Captain Saleem, a young medical officer, “fought gallantly while performing his duties of medical care,” the statement said.

The soldiers who laid down their lives were identified as Havildar Amjad Ali (age 39, resident of Swabi), Naik Waqas Ahmad (age 36, resident of Rawalpindi), Sepoy Aijaz Ali (age 23, resident of Shikarpur), Sepoy Muhammad Waleed (age 23, resident of Jhelum), Sepoy Muhammad Shahbaz (age 32, resident of Khairpur).

The ISPR said a sanitisation operation was under way to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area. “Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue their relentless counter-terrorism campaign to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement added.

PM pays tribute to security forces

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to security forces for successfully eliminating seven terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij during an operation in Kurram District.

The prime minister commended the courage and professionalism of the troops who took part in the intelligence-based operation, calling it a testament to the nation’s resolve against terrorism.

He lauded the bravery of Captain Dr Noman Saleem, Havildar Amjad Ali, Naik Waqas Ahmad, Sepoy Aijaz Ali, Sepoy Muhammad Waleed, and Sepoy Muhammad Shahbaz, who embraced martyrdom while fighting terrorists. “The entire nation salutes our security forces and the martyrs for their courage and sacrifice,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and extended heartfelt condolences to their families, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. “The nation stands united with the families of the martyrs,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to completely eradicate terrorism. 

“We remain resolute in our mission to eliminate terrorism from the country,” the prime minister added.

President Zardari lauds soldiers' courage, sacrifice

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Captain Noman Saleem and his five fellow soldiers who were martyred during an anti-terror operation against terrorists in the Dogar area of Kurram District.

The president lauded the soldiers’ courage and sacrifice, saying the nation takes pride in the bravery of its “valiant sons” who laid down their lives in the line of duty. “The nation is proud of the sacrifices of its brave sons,” President Zardari said, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

He praised the determination, bravery, and professionalism of Pakistan’s security forces in their fight to eradicate terrorism. “The security forces’ resolve, courage, and professional capabilities in eliminating terrorists are commendable,” he said.

President Zardari reaffirmed that the ongoing operation against Fitna al Khwarij, an Indian-backed terrorists network, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.

“The operation against Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam will continue until the complete eradication of terrorism,” he stated. He added that the sacrifices of the martyrs were a guarantee of Pakistan’s national unity, security, and stability. “The sacrifices of our martyrs are the assurance of national unity, security, and stability,” the president said.

President Zardari also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for their patience and strength.