ISLAMABAD: Eight terrorists were killed and six security personnel, including two officers, were martyred in an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Hangu clash came two days after a deadly attack on a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines in the same province, where at least 22 people were martyred and more than 100 injured. Security forces concluded a clearance operation at the site on Saturday, with authorities reporting that all the terrorists involved had been killed.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the exchange of fire took place between a security forces convoy and “Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij.”
“Eight Khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-Al-Khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops,” ISPR said.
The military said two officers, who were leading their troops from the front, were among the six personnel killed during the intense exchange.
They were identified as 23-year-old Captain Abuzar Farooq, a resident of Gujranwala district, and 22-year-old Lt. Sheraz Babar, a resident of Chakwal district.
The two officers “fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat” along with four other personnel, ISPR said.
Sanitization operation underway
ISPR said a sanitization operation was underway to eliminate any other terrorists remaining in the area.
The military said the operation was part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
The campaign by security forces and law enforcement agencies “will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” ISPR said.
“These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the military’s media wing added.
‘Unparalleled bravery’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight terrorists and expressed condolences over the deaths of Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lt. Sheraz Babar and the four other personnel.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif said the officers and soldiers demonstrated “unparalleled bravery” in defending the country and fighting terrorism.
“The entire nation salutes its brave martyrs,” the prime minister said.
He also said operations against Fitna-al-Khwarij would continue until terrorism was completely eliminated, adding that counterterrorism efforts under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with full force.
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the security forces for killing eight terrorists and paid tribute to the fallen personnel. He said the sacrifices of the security forces would further strengthen the national resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately expressed grief over the deaths of the six security personnel and offered condolences to their families.
Naqvi said Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lt. Sheraz Babar and the four other personnel had “bravely confronted the terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij” during the operation and played a role in killing eight terrorists.
He described the fallen personnel as a source of national pride and said their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“The entire nation shares the grief of the bereaved families and stands with them in this difficult time,” Naqvi said.