BANNU: Security forces killed five terrorists belonging to the India-backed “Fitna al-Khwarij” during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, embraced martyrdom after militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was launched after credible intelligence reports about the presence of militants, including a suicide bomber, in the area.
A vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group of security forces, successfully foiling a major terror plot aimed at targeting civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city.
During the intense exchange of fire, security forces effectively engaged the militants and killed five terrorists.
However, in a desperate attempt to cause damage, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into one of the security forces’ vehicles.
As a result, Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz (43), a resident of Mansehra and commanding officer known for leading from the front, embraced martyrdom along with Sepoy Karamat Shah (28), a resident of Peshawar, the ISPR confirmed.
The military’s media wing further stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has once again failed to prevent the use of Afghan soil by militants for carrying out terrorist activities inside Pakistan, even during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Pakistan will not exercise any restraint, and operations will continue against the perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act, irrespective of their location,” the ISPR said, reaffirming the state’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.
The statement added that the counter-terrorism campaign under Vision Azm-e-Istehkam will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
The armed forces reiterated that the sacrifices of brave soldiers strengthen the nation’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan at all costs.
The Bannu IBO comes days after a deadly terrorist attack in Bajaur on February 17, in which 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom.
In that operation, security forces gunned down 12 militants in retaliation.