ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s security forces gunned down five militants during intelligence-based operation in the Razmak area of North Waziristan on Friday, while a Pakistan Army officer was martyred after leading his troops from the front, ISPR said Saturday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said the operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated presence of militants in the area. Security forces engaged the suspects in fierce firefight, killing five members of what the military described as Fitna al-Khawarij.
The military identified the fallen officer as 34-year-old Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, a resident of Mianwali district. According to ISPR, the officer displayed exceptional courage by commanding his men from the front lines during the intense exchange of fire before embracing martyrdom in the line of duty.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, ISPR said, adding that the individuals had allegedly been involved in multiple terrorist attacks targeting security forces, law enforcement personnel, and civilians.
Following the operation, security forces launched an extensive clearance and search mission to eliminate any remaining militants believed to be hiding in the area.
Reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism, ISPR said operations will continue under the National Action Plan and the federal government’s Azm-e-Istehkam strategy to dismantle militant networks and eliminate what it described as externally supported terrorism.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers strengthen the state’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation and safeguard national security,” the military said in its statement.
The latest operation underscores the continuing security challenges in North Waziristan, a region that has remained a focal point of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign against militant groups operating along the country’s northwestern frontier.
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