Two army personnel, including a major, were martyred during a gun battle with terrorists in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on the night between January 29 and 30 as part of an intelligence-based operation.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that security forces were conducting the operation when they engaged a terrorist stronghold, resulting in the death of six terrorists, referred to as "khwarij" by the military.

The martyred soldiers were identified as Major Hamza Israr, 29, a resident of Rawalpindi, and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, from Naseerabad.

The ISPR highlighted Major Israr’s leadership, noting that he was at the forefront of the operation, directing his troops with bravery. Sepoy Naeem also displayed immense courage, ultimately paying the ultimate sacrifice.

In response to the gun battle, security forces have launched a sanitisation operation in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists. The operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The ISPR’s statement reiterated that the sacrifices of soldiers like Major Israr and Sepoy Naeem further solidify the country’s resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

President pays tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. In his statement, the president lauded the bravery and patriotism of Major Israr and Sepoy Naeem. He also commended the military for eliminating six terrorists in the operation, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to fighting terrorism.

"Our security forces will continue their operations until all terrorist elements are completely eliminated. Our resolve to defend the country remains steadfast," President Zardari stated.

This latest gun battle comes amid a troubling surge in violent attacks in Pakistan, particularly since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have seen a significant increase in militant activity.

The year 2024 has already emerged as the deadliest year for Pakistan’s civil and military forces in over a decade, with at least 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks recorded, according to the CRSS Annual Security Report 2024. The report also revealed a staggering increase in civilian and security personnel casualties, with a total of 1,612 fatalities—63% of the total recorded deaths this year—marking a 73% rise in losses compared to the number of militants eliminated.