ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said on Friday it had killed all 30 militants linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij during a follow-up operation against those involved in the October 7 terrorist attack that left 11 military personnel, including two officers, martyred in Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces have been conducting a series of retribution operations against the terrorists involved in the “heinous incident” that occurred in Orakzai earlier this week.
The militants killed in the latest operation belonged to a large formation of the Fitna-ul-Khawarij network, which has targeted both civilians and security personnel in an effort to destabilize the region, the statement added.
The counter-operation was carried out by security forces in the Jamal Maya area of Orakzai district following credible intelligence. The ISPR said the operation completely neutralized the group responsible for the October 7–8 assault.
The Orakzai attack had resulted in the martyrdom of 11 military personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat.
“These successful operations have avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrators to justice,” the military’s media wing said.
The military added that the enemy suffered heavy losses and that its network in the area was severely disrupted. It said sanitization operations are continuing to locate and eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored militants in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel, Major Martyred in operation against Khawarij in Orakzai
Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq, 39, and Major Tayyab Rahat, 33, were among those who embraced martyrdom in the exchange of fire during operation against Khawarij in Orakzai. ISPR said both officers led their troops from the front and “fought with exceptional courage until their last breath.”
Nine other soldiers also laid down their lives for the motherland. They were identified as Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38, Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (35, Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (34, Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (31, Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32, Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32, Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (28, Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (23, Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24, Tank).
The ISPR hailed the fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifices “further strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.”
