PESHAWAR: Security forces killed seven militants in an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Saturday.
An army captain was also killed in the operation, which took place in Hangu district on Aug. 7, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants linked to Fitna al Khawarij, which Pakistan describes as an Indian-backed proxy group.
The forces targeted militant hideouts, ISPR said.
The militants came under pressure and tried to take shelter in a mosque, the military said. It said the militants violated the sanctity of the place of worship.
A heavy exchange of fire followed. Security forces killed seven militants and recovered weapons and ammunition from them, ISPR said.
The military said the militants had been involved in several attacks against security forces and law enforcement agencies. It also accused them of killing civilians.
Captain Hamza Akram, 27, was killed while leading his troops during the operation, according to ISPR.
Akram belonged to Narowal district in Punjab province. He was pursuing the militants with his troops when he came under fire and was killed, the military said.
Security forces continued clearance and sanitisation operations in the area to locate other militants, ISPR said.
The military said security operations would continue under the government’s “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy against terrorism.
It said the campaign would continue until the elimination of foreign-backed militant activity in Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over Akram’s death.
They praised the captain for his courage and dedication to duty. They also commended security forces for killing seven militants in the operation.
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The leaders said the country would not forget the sacrifices of its security personnel.
They also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue operations against militant groups until terrorism is eliminated.
