RAWALPINDI: A Lieutenant Colonel and a soldier of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom after militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a security forces convoy in Bannu, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces had received intelligence about a possible suicide vehicle in the area. Acting on the tip-off, troops launched an operation to trace the threat.
During the operation, militants attacked the convoy. An explosives-packed vehicle was driven into one of the security vehicles, resulting in the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gulfraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah.
However, security forces responded swiftly. In the ensuing exchange of fire, five militants were killed.
The ISPR said that terrorist elements, referred to as Fitna al Khawarij, continue to carry out attacks from Afghan soil, even during the holy month of Ramazan. The military added that such actions show that these elements have no regard for the sanctity of Islam.
The statement further said that the Afghan interim government has failed to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan.
Pakistan, it added, will continue intelligence-based and targeted operations against terrorists without discrimination. The armed forces remain committed to the ongoing counter terrorism drive under the banner of “Azm-e-Istehkam”.
The military emphasized that the sacrifices of brave soldiers further strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.