Rawalpindi : Security forces killed five terrorists linked to the India-backed group Fitna al-Khwarij during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while two Pakistani soldiers, including Lt. Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, were martyred after their convoy was targeted, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR said a vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the lead security team, preventing a major attack on civilians and personnel. During the ensuing operation, five terrorists were neutralized, but in a desperate move, militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy, killing the two soldiers.
Lt. Colonel Faraz, aged 43 from Manshera, and Sepoy Karamat Shah, aged 28 from Peshawar, were leading from the front and embraced martyrdom. The ISPR condemned the use of Afghan soil by terrorists to conduct attacks inside Pakistan, calling it a violation of the sanctity of Ramadan.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, honoring the bravery of the martyred soldiers and offering condolences to their families. Both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminate terrorism and praised the armed forces for neutralizing the threat.
Under the counter-terrorism campaign “Azm-e-Istehkam,” security forces will continue operations to eliminate foreign-supported terrorism and safeguard the nation. Officials emphasized that attacks during Ramadan highlight that such groups have no connection with Islam.
