A lieutenant colonel and a sepoy were martyred when a security convoy was targeted by the Indian-sponsored terrorist group Fitna Al Khwarij in Bannu District on Saturday.

The attack occurred during an intelligence-based operation targeting the reported presence of militants, including a suicide bomber, according to the ISPR.

The ISPR said that a vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design to target innocent civilians/ law enforcement personnel in Bannu City, averting a major catastrophe.

During the conduct of the operation, Khwarij were located, and after an intense fire exchange, five Khwarij were sent to hell by the security forces.

However, in desperation, Khwarij rammed the explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.

Resultantly, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (43), resident of District Mansehra, a brave commanding officer renowned for his daring actions, who was leading his troops from the front, embraced shahadat along with Sepoy Karamat Shah (28), resident of District Peshawar.

Khwarij are continuing with their terrorist activities inside Pakistan using Afghan soil, violating the sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan.

This clearly indicates that they have no link with Islam, the ISPR added.

The Afghan Taliban regime has yet again failed to stop the Khwarij from using Afghan soil for terrorist activities inside Pakistan, that too in the holy month of Ramazan.

Pakistan will not exercise any restrain and operations will continue against the perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act for justified retribution against Khwarij, irrespective of their location.

The counter terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs.