Army captain martyred in Hangu operation

Security forces eliminate ten terrorists in K-P, Balochistan IBOs

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces killed ten terrorists in separate operations in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), while a Pakistan Army captain was martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Hangu.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday that security forces conducted an IBO in Hangu district on August 7 following information about the presence of terrorists belonging to the "Indian Proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij". Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists' hideout. Under intense pressure, the terrorists attempted to take refuge inside a mosque, where an exchange of fire subsequently took place.

Seven terrorists were killed in the operation and weapons and ammunition were recovered from them. The ISPR said the killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law-enforcement agencies as well as the killing of innocent civilians.

During the intense exchange of fire, 27-year-old Captain Hamza Akram was martyred. A resident of Narowal district, Captain Hamza was leading his troops from the front and relentlessly pursuing the terrorists when he fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom.

A sanitisation operation was continuing in the area to eliminate any other terrorists who might be present. In a separate operation in Balochistan, security forces conducted a search and sanitisation operation in the Kambila and Asimabad areas, clearing 68 square kilometres of territory, according to security sources.

Three terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan were killed during the operation, while the bodies of two other terrorists were recovered. Four terrorists were wounded, including terrorist commander Shaukat Mama, while 12 suspects were taken into custody.

The operation also resulted in the destruction of terrorist hideouts, while flags belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan were removed from the area.

Security forces said operations against terrorist elements would continue under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 until the complete elimination of terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Captain Hamza Akram and paid tribute to his bravery, courage and devotion to duty. He also praised security forces for killing seven terrorists in the Hangu operation.

"Captain Hamza Akram Shaheed embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the terrorists. The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons," the PM said. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr's ranks in Jannah and for patience and fortitude for his bereaved family.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that operations against Fitna al-Khawarij would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism, saying the sacrifices of the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies for the defence, peace and security of the country would not go in vain.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over Captain Hamza Akram's martyrdom and paid tribute to his bravery, courage and devotion to duty.