Two officers among seven jawans martyred in foiled attack on Mir Ali post, six terrorists sent to hell: ISPR

RAWALPINDI (92 News) - Seven jawans of the Pak Army, including two officers, were martyred while six terrorists were killed when a group of terrorists attacked a security forces' post in general area Mir Ali of North Waziristan District in the early hours on Saturday.

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, the Pak Army troops foiled the initial attempt of intrusion. Later, the terrorists rammed an explosive laden vehicle into the post, followed by multiple suicide bombing attacks, which led to collapse of portion of a building, resulting into martyrdom of five brave sons of the soil.

The martyrs include Havildar Sabir (resident of District Khyber), Naik Khurshid (resident of Lakki Marwat), Sepoy Nasir (resident of Peshawar), Sepoy Raja (resident of Kohat) and Sepoy Sajjad (resident of Abbotabad).

During the conduct of ensuing clearance operation, the Pak Army troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali, effectively engaged and sent all six terrorists to hell. During an intense exchange of fire, leading his troops from the front, Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali (age: 39 years, resident of Karachi) and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar (age: 23 years, resident of Talagang), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.

"The sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the ISPR declared.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the martyred officers and jawans were offered at Bannu Cantonment. A large number of people, including military and civil officers, attended the funeral. The martyrs will be laid to rest in their ancestral areas with full military honours.

President, PM condemn terrorist attack

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Mir Ali and paid tribute to the martyred officers and personnel of the Pakistan army. He reiterated the resolve to eradicate terrorism forever.

Expressing condolences, the President prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and for the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude. In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack in North Waziristan.

He expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of seven personnel, including two officers, of the security forces. He said that martyred jawans had foiled nefarious designs of terrorists. "The entire nation, including me, are proud of the sacrifices of teh martyred jawans who had laid down their lives for the motherland," he added.

The prime minister also prayed for the high ranks of 'Shuhada' and for the bereaved families to bear the loss with strength.