Security Forces Kill 16 Khawarij in North Waziristan; Two Soldiers Martyred

Rawalpindi: Sixteen Khawarij were killed and two Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in security force operations in North Waziristan.

According to the ISPR, security forces carried out operations against Khawarij hideouts in North Waziristan and surrounding areas, in which 16 Khawarij were killed over the past 12 hours.

The ISPR said 12 Khawarij were killed during an operation in Ali Khel, two in Mir Ali and two more in Datta Khel. Among the Khawarij killed were two Afghan nationals belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, which operates under Indian sponsorship.

Two brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire. They were Havildar Ismat Ali, 43, and Naik Aftab Ali, 32.

According to the ISPR, Havildar Ismat Ali belonged to Swabi district and Naik Aftab Ali belonged to Mardan district. The martyred soldiers fought bravely before embracing martyrdom.

The ISPR said the operations dealt a major blow to the Khawarij network. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Khawarij, who were involved in several terrorist acts, including the murder of innocent civilians.

The ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue at full pace. It said operations would continue to eliminate terrorism sponsored by foreign backers. The ISPR added that the sacrifices of the soldiers further strengthen the nation’s resolve against terrorism.