Two Pakistan Army personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were martyred while five terrorists were killed during a security operation in Bannu district on Saturday after a militant attack on a military convoy, the military’s media wing said.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces were conducting an intelligence-based operation in Bannu on reports of the presence of militants affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al Khwarij, including a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
The ISPR said the suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group of the convoy, preventing him from reaching densely populated areas of Bannu city and averting a major catastrophe that could have targeted civilians and law enforcement personnel.
“During the conduct of the operation, Khwarij were located and, after an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed,” the ISPR said. “In desperation, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.”
As a result of the blast, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (43), a resident of Mansehra, and Sepoy Karamat Shah (28), a resident of Peshawar, embraced martyrdom. The ISPR described Lt Col Faraz as a brave commanding officer known for his daring leadership, who was leading his troops from the front at the time of the operation.
The military’s media wing stated that terrorist groups continue to operate against Pakistan from Afghan soil, including during the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a clear indication that such elements have no association with Islam.
“The Afghan Taliban regime has once again failed to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan would continue operations against the perpetrators of this “heinous and cowardly act” and would pursue justified retribution against Khwarij wherever they may be.
The ISPR reaffirmed that the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack in separate statements and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of the two soldiers.
“The supreme sacrifice of our martyrs is the nation’s most valuable asset,” President Zardari said, while extending condolences to the bereaved families. He reiterated that operations against Fitna al Khwarij would continue with full force and without discrimination to ensure public safety.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, stating that those who violate the sanctity of Ramadan through acts of terrorism have no connection with Islam.
