In a tragic turn of events, an officer and two soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred while nine militants, referred to as “khwarij,” were neutralized during two separate Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces on Wednesday.
The first operation was carried out in Bakka Khel, Bannu District, KP, where security forces launched an IBO on intelligence of militant presence. In a fierce exchange of fire, troops effectively engaged the militants, resulting in the elimination of eight and injuries to seven others. During the operation, Major Atif Khalil (31), from Sudhanuti, AJK, embraced martyrdom while bravely leading his team, alongside two valiant soldiers—Naik Azad Ullah (36) from Karak and Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas (35) from Layyah—who also sacrificed their lives.
Major Atif Khalil Shaheed had been serving Pakistan for over eight years, leaving behind a widow and young daughter, while Naik Azad Ullah and Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas served for 15 and 14 years, respectively. Both soldiers leave behind widows and children, adding to the legacy of their honorable service.
In another operation in Sambaza, Zhob District, Balochistan, security forces killed one militant and captured another in injured condition following a firefight. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the suspects, and a sanitization operation is ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats in the area.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) emphasized the Pakistan Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating that these sacrifices strengthen the resolve to secure peace, stability, and progress, especially in Balochistan.
