19 Indian-backed militants killed, 11 Pakistan soldiers martyred in Orakzai IBO: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Nineteen Indian-backed militants were killed and 11 Pakistan soldiers including two officers were martyred during Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Wednesday, quoting Inter-Services Public Relations Wing.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai, targeting the Indian-sponsored proxy network “Khawarij.”

During an intense exchange of fire, 19 Indian-backed terrorists were killed, while Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq embraced martyrdom along with Major Tayyab Rahat and nine other brave soldiers, ISPR confirmed.

Read more: Five soldiers martyred in Balochistan IED attack: ISPR

The nine brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age: 38 years, resident of District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (age: 35 years, resident of District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (age: 34 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age: 32 years, resident of District Manshera), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age: 32 years, resident of District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (age: 28 years, resident of District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Swabi), Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age: 24 years, resident of District Tank).

ISPR said that a clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.

It added that the security forces remain resolute in eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism, and the sacrifices of the soldiers further strengthen the nation’s resolve against all forms of militancy.