Three personnel of the Pakistan Army, including a Major, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, the ISPR reported on Wednesday. The operation targeted the reported presence of terrorists in the Bakka Khel area.
According to a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the intelligence-based operation on information regarding “khwarij” terrorists. During the operation, troops engaged the militants effectively. As a result, eight khwarij were killed, while seven others were injured.
In a fierce exchange of fire, Major Atif Khalil, aged 31, led his troops bravely and embraced shahadat. He was accompanied by two soldiers who also made the ultimate sacrifice: Naik Azad Ullah, 36, from Karak, and Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas, 35, from Layyah.
Following the intelligence-based operation, a sanitization effort was initiated to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The military emphasized its commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating, “Such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”
In a separate intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Zhob district, security forces neutralized another terrorist. This operation occurred on the night of October 29-30. During this encounter, intense gunfire erupted between troops and khwarij, resulting in one terrorist being killed and another apprehended in injured condition.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists during this intelligence-based operation. The ISPR reiterated, “Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability, and progress in Balochistan.”
Earlier this year, the government categorized the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij” to shift its war on terror from a physical to an ideological front. The nation has faced rising violent attacks since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In June, the federal cabinet approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a renewed national counter-terrorism campaign based on recommendations from the Central Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. This plan aims to root out terrorism and restore peace.
