Eight militants killed, six security personnel martyred in Hangu firefight
Two young army officers among six martyred
Eight militants were killed and six security personnel, including two young army officers, were martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
The military’s media wing said a security forces convoy came under attack from militants, triggering an intense exchange of fire.
It said troops effectively engaged the attackers and killed eight militants, whom it described as members of “ Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij”.
ISPR said Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, a resident of Gujranwala, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, from Chakwal, were among the six personnel martyred in the clash.
The two officers were leading their troops from the front when they made the ultimate sacrifice, it added.
A sanitisation operation was launched in the area following the clash to locate and eliminate any other militants who may still be present.
According to ISPR, the counterterrorism campaign under the government-approved “Azm-e-Istehkam” initiative will continue with full force against what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism.
The military’s media wing paid tribute to the fallen personnel, saying their sacrifices reaffirmed the security forces’ commitment to protecting the country.