A Pakistan army major was martyred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district during an intelligence-based operation (IBO), Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Monday.
Major Adeel Zaman of Dera Ismail Khan, 36, was identified as the martyred officer. The statement also stated that five terrorists were killed by security forces during the operation.
According to ISPR, on December 29, “security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Khar, Bajaur district, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.”
The term Fitna al Khwarij is used by the state for terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The statement said: “During the conduct of operation, due to effective engagement by own troops five Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell. However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Adeel Zaman (age: 36 years, resident of Dera Ismail Khan District), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.”
Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the terrorists, who were “actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces and law enforcement agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians,” the statement said.
Troops carried out a sanitisation operation to get rid of any remaining militants in the area after the operation.
The statement added: “Relentless Counter-Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.”
Funeral prayers for Major Adeel were offered at Peshawar Garrison later in the evening. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, commander of Peshawar Corps, and other senior military and civil officials attended.
Paying tribute to the officer, Field Marshal Munir said the “Martyrs of Pakistan Army are the pride of the nation and their sacrifices will forever be remembered.”
“He prayed for the elevation of the Shaheed’s ranks in Jannah and for patience and strength for the family,” the statement added.
“Major Adeel Zaman Shaheed laid down his life in the line of duty while leading from the front. Pakistan Armed Forces remain resolute in their commitment to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices further strengthen the nation’s resolve,” the statement concluded.
During a counter-insurgency operation in Bajaur district last month, security forces killed at least 22 militants and wounded dozens more.
According to security sources, the IBO in Bajaur’s town of Gadar was “based on highly classified information” and was a “major success.”