2 officers among 6 servicemen martyred in Hangu ambush

During an exchange of fire, security forces also eliminate eight terrorists

RAWALPINDI:

Six personnel of the Pakistan Army—including two officers—embraced martyrdom when their convoy came under attack in district Hangu of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

According to a statement issued by the military's media wing on Sunday, the forces also eliminated eight terrorists of the Fitna al-Khawarij—a term used to refer to outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—during the exchange of fire.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that two officers, Captain Abuzar Farooq, aged 23 and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, aged 22, laid down their lives while leading their troops from the front.

Captain Farooq hailed from District Gujranwala and Lieutenant Babar was a resident of District Chakwal.

"[They] fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat along with their four men," the statement said, adding that a sanitization operation was under way in the area to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area.

"A relentless counter terrorism campaign under vision Azm-e-Istehkam will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. These sacrifices of our brave soldiers reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs," it added.

In separate statements, both the president and the prime minister expressed grief over the martyrdom of the officers and troops in the Hangu attack.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty and commended the security forces for eliminating terrorists.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to their families.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also paid tribute to Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Sheraz Babar and the four soldiers, adding that the martyred officers and soldiers demonstrated unparalleled bravery in the defence of the beloved homeland and in the war against terrorism.

The martyrs sacrificed their lives for the nation's future and the country's security, he said, adding that the entire nation salutes its brave men. He said the operations of security forces and law enforcement agencies against Fitna Al-Khawarij will continue till the complete elimination of terrorism.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the six security personnel, adding that the martyrs had bravely confronted the terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij.

"The martyrs are the pride of the nation and their eternal sacrifices will always be remembered," Naqvi said, adding that the nation can never repay the debt owed to the great sacrifices of the martyrs.