Security forces killed 10 terrorists and arrested 12 suspects during separate counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while a Pakistan Army officer, Captain Hamza Akram, embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu, according to official statement.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Hangu district after receiving reports about the presence of militants. During the operation, seven terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij, were killed.
According to ISPR, the militants took refuge inside a mosque during the exchange of fire, using the religious site as a hideout. Security forces engaged the terrorists and successfully neutralized seven of them.
Captain Hamza Akram, 27, who belonged to Narowal district, led his troops from the front and fought bravely during the operation. He was martyred while commanding the assault against the terrorists.
Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the slain militants. Officials said the terrorists were involved in attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel, and civilians.
ISPR added that a clearance operation remains underway in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure complete security.
Three Militants Killed in Balochistan Operation
In a separate development, security sources said three terrorists associated with the Banned BLA, what authorities describe as Fitna al-Hindustan were killed during Operation Radd-ul-Fitan 3 in the Kambela and Asimabad areas of Balochistan.
Security forces carried out extensive search and sanitization operations across approximately 68 square kilometers, clearing militant hideouts and disrupting their movement in the area.
Officials said three terrorists were killed during the operation, while the bodies of two other terrorists were also recovered. Four terrorists were injured, including a key terrorist commander identified as Shaukat Mama.
During the operation, security forces detained 12 suspected individuals for questioning and intelligence gathering.
Security sources said terrorist camps and hideouts were dismantled, and flags displayed by the group were removed from the area. Authorities reiterated that Operation Radd-ul-Fitan 3 would continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from the region.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Pays Tribute to Martyred Officer
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram for his courage and sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister said Captain Hamza Akram displayed exceptional bravery while confronting militants and laid down his life in defense of the nation. He added that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security personnel would never be forgotten.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing operations against militant groups until terrorism is eliminated and lasting peace is restored.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the martyred officer, praising his bravery and expressing condolences to his family.
The latest operations come as Pakistan intensifies counterterrorism efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan amid ongoing security challenges. Security forces have continued intelligence-based operations targeting militant networks, hideouts, and facilitators in an effort to improve regional security and prevent future attacks.
