NORTH WAZIRISTAN: At least six Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Dirduni, North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Thursday.
According to the ISPR, the exchange of fire also left three militants dead.
The martyred soldiers were identified as 36-year-old Havaldar Saleem Khan, resident of district Tank, 37-year-old Naik Javed lqbal, resident of district Kohat, 26-year-old Sepoy Nazir Khan, resident of district Bannu, 25-year-old Sepoy Hazrat Bilal, resident of district Mardan, 22-year-old sepoys Syed Rajab Hussain, resident of district Orakzai, and Bismillah Jan, resident of district Khyber.
The military’s media wing stated that the soldiers fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom.
The statement further stated that “sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area”.
“Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the military stated.
Last month, two Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Tirah Valley, Khyber District, the ISPR said.
According to the military’s media wing, the exchange took place between troops and terrorists and resulted in the killing of two militants.
Last month, the director-general of the ISPR had lauded the security forces for their counter-terrorism efforts in his maiden press conference in Islamabad.
Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had also paid tribute to the 137 officers and men who were martyred and 117 officers and men injured during the operations since January.
“The entire nation pays tribute to these brave sons and their families, who sacrificed their precious lives for the peace and security of the country,” he had said.
“No one should doubt the resolve, commitment and capabilities of the Pakistan Army, law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) and intelligence agencies to eradicate terrorism,” he added. “Our successful war against terrorism will continue till the end of the last terrorist.”__Tribune.com