Army Major martyred, six terrorists killed in North Waziristan gunbattle

A senior Army officer was martyred and six Khwarij terrorists were killed in a fierce gunbattle fought in North Waziristan District, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to an ISPR statement released in Rawalpindi on Thursday, during the night between January 29 and 30 security forces personnel carried out an intelligence-based operation in Mirali area of North Waziristan District and targeted a hideout of the Khwarij terrorists.

In the ensuring fierce gunbattle, six terrorists were sent to hell. During the exchange of fire Pakistan Army’s Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem were martyred while fighting gallantly.

Martyred 29-year-old Major Hamza Israr was a resident of Rawalpindi District and he served the Army for nine years while 26-year-old Sepoy Naeem was a resident of Naseerabad District and served the Army for six years.

According to the ISPR statement, a sanitization operation was carried out to clear the Mirali area of Khwariji terrorists and their facilitators.

Major Hamza got married recently and left behind wife, parents, brothers and sisters to mourn his death.

It may be mentioned here that another Army Major was martyred during an operation in South Waziristan District in last December.

Major Muhammad Awais, a 33-year-old officer from District Narowal, was martyred while leading his troops from the front. His bravery and sacrifice were acknowledged by the ISPR, which praised his gallant leadership.

The ISPR statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to eradicate terrorism, emphasising that the sacrifices of brave soldiers like Major Hamza further strengthened the country's resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

President, PM, interior minister pay tribute to security forces 

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to the security forces for their bravery in eliminating Fitna-ul-Khawarij terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan District.

The president and prime minister paid homage to Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem who embraced martyrdom while valiantly confronting the Khawarij terrorists during the operation, the President’s and Prime Minister’s Office in separate news releases said.

The president and prime minister praised the bravery and patriotism of Major Hamza Israr Shaheed and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem Shaheed and expressed heartfelt grief over the martyrdom of the two valiant sons of the soil.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sympathy with the families of martyrs and prayed for patience to bear their loss. “Security forces will continue operations until terrorists are completely eliminated. Our resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country will remain unwavering,” the president said. The president reiterated the national resolve to completely eliminate Fitna-ul-Khawarij.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and patience for their bereaved families.

“We will not let the great sacrifices of the sons of the nation go in vain and will destroy the nefarious intentions of anti-state elements,” the prime minister said.

The government and security forces were mobilized to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, he added.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid a heartfelt tribute to Major Hamza Israr and Soldier Muhammad Naeem, who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting extremist terrorists in North Waziristan.

The security forces successfully neutralized six terrorists in the operation, dealing a major blow to their nefarious plans.

Naqvi acknowledged the supreme sacrifice of the fallen soldiers, stating, “Major Hamza Israr and Soldier Muhammad Naeem laid down their lives for the peace of our homeland. Their bravery is a source of immense pride for the entire nation.”

He further emphasized that the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against terrorism would never be forgotten. “The entire nation salutes the great sacrifice of our martyrs. These brave sons of the soil have become immortal by giving their lives for the country,” he said.

Expressing solidarity with the families of the martyrs, Naqvi assured them of the nation’s unwavering support. “We stand with the families of the martyrs in this difficult time,” he stated.

He also commended the security forces for eliminating six terrorists in the operation. “The security forces have once again proven their commitment by thwarting the evil designs of extremist terrorists. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its defenders,” Naqvi remarked.

Pakistan’s security forces continue their relentless efforts to root out terrorism, ensuring peace and stability in the region. The sacrifices of heroes like Major Hamza Israr and Soldier Muhammad Naeem will forever be remembered in the annals of history.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor