Pakistan: Army officer, three soldiers martyred in Khyber IBO

International

Four brave sons of soil, including an officer and three soldiers of the Pakistan Army, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in the general area of Tirah in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, following reports of terrorist presence on Monday, according to the military.

“During the course of the operation, our troops, led by Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Hassan Haider, effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, resulting in the elimination of three terrorists, while three others were injured,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a statement.

Tragically, in the midst of the intense firefight, four valiant soldiers gave their lives in service to the nation. These brave heroes were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Hassan Haider (43 years old, hailing from Islamabad), Naik Khushdil Khan (31 years old, from District Lakki Marwat), Naik Rafique Khan (27 years old, from District Charsadda), and Lance Naik Abdul Qadir (33 years old, from District Murree).

The military’s communication unit further noted that a sanitisation operation is currently underway to eradicate any remaining terrorists in the area.

The security forces of Pakistan remain unwavering in their commitment to eliminate the scourge of terrorism, and the sacrifices of our courageous soldiers only serve to fortify our determination, the ISPR affirmed.__Tribune.com