RAWALPINDI: A brigadier from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was martyred during an encounter with “hardcore terrorists” in South Waziristan’s Angoor Adda, confirmed the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday.
In the statement, the ISPR said that an intense exchange of fire took place between the two sides, adding that Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki was martyred “while leading the encounter from the front” and seven others were injured, including two who were critically wounded.
The military’s media wing said Brigadier Barki and his team “put up a valiant resistance against the terrorists during the encounter and the officer sacrificed his life for peace of the motherland”.
“Defence forces of Pakistan and intelligence agencies pledge to reaffirm and demonstrate firm resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from every inch of the country,” the ISPR said.
Three soldier martyred during DI Khan shootout
Separately, the ISPR said three soldiers embraced martyrdom while three terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district.
According to the statement, terrorists had opened fire on a police checkpost last night in Khutti area, prompting security forces to immediately block all possible escape routes.
“Fleeing terrorists were intercepted in the general area Saggu, DI Khan district. After an intense exchange of fire, three terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR said, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered.
The statement added that during the intense exchange of fire, 42-year-old Havaldar Muhammad Azhar Iqbal, 34-year-old Naik Muhammad Asad and 22-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Essa were martyred.
“Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack and expressed grief at the martyrdom of the soldiers.
He hailed the martyrs as “brave sons of the soil” and extended his condolences to their families.
