Army major martyred, five terrorists killed

A Pakistan Army major was martyred while leading an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against terrorists

A Pakistan Army major was martyred while leading an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against terrorists in the Razmak area of North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to the military’s media wing, security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. During the exchange of fire, five terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Khawarij were killed.

ISPR identified the martyred officer as Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district. The military said the officer was leading his troops from the front and fought bravely during the operation before embracing martyrdom.

The statement said the slain terrorists were actively involved in multiple attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians. Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment from the militants during the operation.

Following the successful raid, sanitisation operations were launched in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the area is fully cleared. The military said the operation forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism and will continue intelligence-driven operations against militants across the country. It added that the sacrifices of soldiers strengthen the nation’s resolve to safeguard peace and security.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist incidents since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in late 2022. Since then, security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to dismantle militant networks.