19 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in northwestern Pakistan; 11 soldiers martyred: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani forces killed 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Orakzai during an operation on Tuesday. Eleven soldiers, including two officers, were martyred.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the area on the reported presence of “Khwarij” (terrorists) belonging to the Indian proxy, “Fitna al-Khwarij.”

During the operation, 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed. However, during the intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq (age: 39 years, resident of District Rawalpindi), leading his troops from the front along with second in command Major Tayyab Rahat (age: 33 years, resident of District Rawalpindi), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom along with his nine men.

The nine brave soldiers who were martyred include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age: 38 years, resident of District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (age: 35 years, resident of District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (age: 34 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age: 32 years, resident of District Manshera), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age: 32 years, resident of District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (age: 28 years, resident of District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age: 24 years, resident of District Tank).

Sanitization operation continues

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorists found in the area.

The ISPR statement added, “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.”

Prime Minister Sharif praises security forces

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for killing the 19 terrorists, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.

The prime minister expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat as well as the courageous soldiers of the Pakistan Army in the security operation.

Sharif prayed for the martyrs and for patience and steadfastness for their bereaved families. “The sacrifices of the fearless sons of the security forces will by no means go in vain,” the prime minister said.

“We will crush the nefarious designs of the Indian‑backed terrorists,” Sharif said. “We will not allow elements who harm Pakistan’s integrity to succeed. The government is determined to completely eradicate the monster of terrorism from the country."