ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces killed seven terrorists linked to the Indian-backed Fitna Al Khwarij during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu district, while a Pakistan Army captain was martyred in the exchange of fire, the military said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the operation on Friday following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Indian-backed Fitna Al Khwarij.
The troops effectively engaged the militants’ position during the operation, forcing the militants to take refuge inside a mosque, the ISPR said, accusing them of disregarding the sanctity of the place of worship.
“Seven khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij, were sent to hell,” the military said, adding that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants.
The ISPR said the militants had been involved in numerous terrorist activities targeting security forces and law-enforcement agencies, as well as attacks that killed innocent civilians.
During the intense exchange of fire, Captain Hamza Akram, 27, from Narowal district, was martyred while leading his troops from the front and pursuing the terrorists.
The ISPR paid tribute to the officer, saying he “fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.”
A sanitisation operation was subsequently launched in the area to eliminate any remaining militants, the statement said.
The military said the operation was part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
“The 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,” the ISPR said.
It added that the sacrifice of Pakistani soldiers further reinforced the security forces’ unwavering commitment to protecting the country and its people “at all costs.”
