Security forces killed seven terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while a 27-year-old Pakistan Army officer, Captain Hamza Akram, was martyred during an intense exchange of fire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on August 7 following intelligence reports about the presence of Khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij.
According to the ISPR, security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Hangu area. During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists at their hideout. In desperation, the militants took refuge inside a mosque, blatantly disregarding the sanctity of the place of worship.
An intense exchange of fire followed, during which seven terrorists were killed, according to the military's media wing. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the slain terrorists.
Captain Hamza martyred
During the operation, Captain Hamza Akram, a 27-year-old Pakistan Army officer from Narowal district, was martyred while fighting the terrorists.
The ISPR said Captain Hamza was leading his troops from the front and relentlessly pursuing the terrorists.
According to the ISPR, the terrorists killed during the operation had remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies. The militants were also involved in the killing of innocent civilians, the military said.
A sanitization operation is currently underway in the area to locate and eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khwarij who may still be present.
The ISPR said the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.
The ISPR added that the sacrifices of Pakistan's soldiers further reinforce the country's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 continues in Balochistan
Separately, security forces continued operations against terrorists in Balochistan under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3.
According to security sources, three terrorists were killed in Kumbela and Asimabad areas, while four terrorists, including ringleader Shaukat Mama, were injured during the operation. Security forces also detained 12 suspects as part of the operation.
Security sources said three terrorists were killed during the operation, with two bodies recovered so far.
They also conducted extensive search and sanitization operations in Kumbela and Asimabad, clearing an area spanning 68 square kilometres of terrorist elements. During the operation, terrorist hideouts were destroyed and flags associated with terrorists were removed from the cleared areas.
Security sources said Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3 will continue with full force until terrorism is completely eliminated.
President Zardari pays tribute to Captain Hamza
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram for his sacrifice during the Hangu operation. The president said the nation salutes the great sacrifice of its brave son, adding that Captain Hamza crushed the evil intentions of terrorists.
President Zardari said the entire nation remains indebted to the eternal sacrifices of brave sons who give their lives for the homeland. He also prayed for patience and strength for the family of Captain Hamza Shaheed.
PM Shehbaz Sharif lauds security forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the martyrdom of Captain Hamza during the successful Hangu operation.
The prime minister paid tribute to Captain Hamza's bravery, courage and sense of duty, while also commending security forces for killing seven Khwarij.
Shehbaz Sharif said Captain Hamza fought bravely against the terrorists and stressed that the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons. He prayed that Allah Almighty elevate the martyr's ranks and grant patience to his family.
The prime minister reiterated that operations against terrorists would continue until the complete eradication of terrorism. He said the sacrifices of Pakistan's brave security forces and law enforcement agencies would not go in vain.
Naqvi pays tribute to martyred officer
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram and expressed sympathy and condolences to his bereaved family. He said the brave officer had helped eliminate seven terrorists.
The interior minister described the determination and passion demonstrated by Captain Hamza as a source of strength for the nation. He said every drop of blood shed by Pakistan's martyrs, including Captain Hamza, serves as a guarantee of the country's security.
Naqvi said Captain Hamza sacrificed his precious life for the homeland and attained the high status of martyrdom.
“Martyr Captain Hamza will always live in our hearts,” the interior minister said.
