Rawalpindi: 16 Khawarij were killed while two brave soldiers were martyred during various operations by security forces in North Waziristan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence-based operations were carried out in Mir Ali, Datta Khel and surrounding areas of North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There was an intense exchange of fire between security forces and Khawarij during the last 12 hours.
According to the ISPR, 12 Khawarij were killed in Ali Khel, including 2 Afghan citizens belonging to the Indian-backed Fitnat-ul-Khawarij, while 2 Khawarij were killed each in Mir Ali and Datta Khel.
According to the Pakistan Army spokesperson, 43-year-old Havaldar Ismat Ali (resident of Swabi district) and 32-year-old Naik Aftab Ali (resident of Mardan district) were martyred while fighting bravely in these clashes.
According to the ISPR, arms and ammunition were also recovered from the slain Khawarij. The slain terrorists were involved in several terrorist operations, including the killing of innocent civilians.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to the security forces for killing 16 terrorists of Fitnatul Khawarij operating in North Waziristan.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Havaldar Ismat Ali from Swabi district and Naik Aftab Ali from Mardan district, who sacrificed their lives in defense of the beloved homeland during the operation.
The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for their elevation to their ranks and for the bereaved families to be granted patience.
The Prime Minister said that the great sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen the national resolve to completely eradicate terrorism. He expressed his resolve that operations will continue until the complete eradication of terrorism from the country.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for the successful operations, appreciating the determination and professionalism of the security forces for killing 16 Khawarijis.
The Federal Interior Minister paid tribute to Naik Aftab Ali and Havaldar Ismat Ali, who lost their lives while bravely fighting the Khawarijis, and expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the two martyrs.