Security forces have successfully neutralized the terrorists responsible for the recent attack in Orakzai that claimed the lives of Lt Col Junaid Tariq, Major Tayyab Rahat, and nine other soldiers, security sources confirmed late on Thursday.

According to security officials, all 30 foreign-backed terrorists belonging to a large formation involved in the Orakzai assault of Oct 7-8 have been killed during an intensive operation carried out by Pakistan’s security forces in the Jamal Maya area of Orakzai.

The forces continue counterattacks in Orakzai, according to ISPR, adding that with this operation, the forces have avenged the recent martyrdom of senior military officials.

Sources said the eliminated group belonged to Fitna-ul-Khawarij, a terrorist network known for targeting military personnel and civilians to destabilize the region. Security officials reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism from every corner of the country.

ISPR stated that a clearance operation was underway to hunt any more Indian-sponsored terrorists remaining in the area. Security forces are determined to completely eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorism, it added.

On the night of October 7 and 8, the security forces had conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Orakzai district on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy network, Fitna al Khwarij.

Also Read: Lt Col, Major among 11 soldiers martyred in Orakzai operation

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the operation, 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists were eliminated. The ISPR confirmed that the enemy suffered heavy losses and that their network was significantly disrupted in the region.

Lt Col Junaid, Maj Tayyab among those martyred

Amid the fierce exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq (age 39, resident of Rawalpindi district), who was leading his troops from the front, along with his Second-in-Command, Major Tayyab Rahat (age 33, resident of District Rawalpindi), were martyred.

ISPR noted that both officers fought courageously and led their men with exceptional valour until their last breath.

Nine soldiers also lay down lives

Alongside the two officers, nine valiant soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland. The martyrs include:

Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age 38, Khyber district)
Naik Adil Hussain (age 35, Kurram district)
Naik Gul Ameer (age 34, Tank district)
Lance Naik Sher Khan (age 31, Mardan district)
Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age 32, Mansehra district)
Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age 32, Kurram district)
Sepoy Tufail Khan (age 28, Malakand district)
Sepoy Aqib Ali (age 23, Swabi district)
Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age 24, Tank district)

In its statement, the ISPR hailed the bravery of the fallen heroes, stating: “Such sacrifices further strengthen our resolve to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan. The enemy’s plans will be foiled, and their networks dismantled completely.”