A Pakistan Army captain lost his life while seven militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday.
The operation was launched on Friday following intelligence reports indicating the presence of militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the military as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” Security forces engaged the militants decisively during the mission.
Notably, the militants, described as “Indian-sponsored,” sought refuge inside a mosque to avoid the assault, disregarding the sanctity of the religious site. The ensuing confrontation resulted in the deaths of seven militants.
Captain Hamza Akram, aged 27 and hailing from Narowal district in Punjab, was martyred while leading his troops from the front in pursuit of the militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the deceased militants, who had been involved in multiple attacks targeting security personnel, law enforcement, and civilians. A sanitization operation is currently underway to ensure the area is cleared of any remaining threats.
In a significant development, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen officer, expressing the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by soldiers like him and offering prayers for his family. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also extended condolences, acknowledging the captain’s ultimate sacrifice and affirming that he would be remembered with honor.
Meanwhile, this operation in Hangu follows reports from the previous day where ten militants were killed in two separate encounters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In South Waziristan’s Azam Warsak area, eight militants were killed while attempting to attack security checkposts. Additionally, two militants were killed in a separate clash in Dir district.
Separately, security forces eliminated a senior militant commander named Jamidullah during an intelligence-based operation in Jani Khel, Bannu district. Jamidullah, recognized as an expert in the use of quadcopters, was targeted and killed in the operation, further disrupting militant capabilities in the region.
