Army major martyred in IED blast in Pasni

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces carried out two separate operations in central and southern Balochistan and eliminated four terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, a term used to refer to separatist outfits. During one of the operations, a major also embraced martyrdom in an explosion.

According to a statement issued by the military's media wing, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on October 18 in the general area of Jattakabad in district Kalat.

During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location and, after an intense exchange of fire, killed four terrorists. A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the operation, the news release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Security forces also conducted a series of clearance operations in the general area of Shadi Kaur of tehsil Pasni in district Gwadar. During one of the operations, the lead force component, led by Major Wajahat Waheed, was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED).

The IED blast resulted in the martyrdom of Major Waheed. Major Wajahat Waheed was 34-year-old and was a resident of Lahore, the ISPR said.

According to the military's media wing, the IBOs were carried out based on intelligence reports regarding the presence of multiple terrorist hideouts in the general areas of Shadi Kaur and Jattakabad and were aimed at removing the threat posed by the terrorists to the local population.

"Sanitisation operations will continue to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam will continue at full pace.

"Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," it further said.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan in different areas of Kalat and Gwadar districts of Balochistan.

The president, in a statement, expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Major Wajahat Waheed. He commended Major Waheed's supreme sacrifice for the defense of the motherland and the eradication of terrorism, extending his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid rich tribute to the security forces for successfully conducting operations against terrorists in Balochistan's Kalat and Gwadar districts.

He also paid glowing tribute to Major Wajahat Waheed. He said the officer had sacrificed his life for the protection of the motherland, adding that the entire nation was proud of its brave son.