Security forces killed at least 30 terrorists involved in the martyrdom of Lt Col Junaid Tariq, Major Tayyab Rahat and nine soldiers a day earlier in Orakzai district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“Those responsible for the Orakzai attack have been sent to hell,” security sources said in a statement on Thursday, adding that the operation targeted the main formation of the group behind the assault.
According to the sources, the killed terrorists belonged to the banned group “Fitna al-Khawarij”, involved in attacks against the army and other security agents. “Security forces remain determined to eradicate terrorism in all regions of the country,” the statement added.
Fitna al-Khwarij is the state’s term for militants affiliated with the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The day before, during an intelligence operation carried out in Orakzai, 11 soldiers, including Lieutenant-Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, were killed.
Learn more: The lieutenant-colonel and major among 11 martyred soldiers
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the midnight operation resulted in intense exchange of fire during which troops killed 19 terrorists belonging to the India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij group.
Lt Col Tariq, 39, and his second in command, Major Rahat, also 39, both residents of Rawalpindi, led the operation from the front and embraced martyrdom alongside nine other soldiers.
The fallen soldiers have been 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 years old, Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (23 years old, Swabi) and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24 years old, Tank).
According to the ISPR, the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers were offered at the Chaklala garrison. They will be laid to rest in their hometowns with full military honors. The funeral was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers, senior military and civilian officials and members of the public.
Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the nation was united against terrorism. “The Pakistani nation remains resolute and steadfast in the face of this terrorist threat, and Shuhada’s ultimate sacrifice reminds us of our unwavering resolve to defend the homeland at all costs,” he said.
