11 soldiers martyred near Afghan border: Reuters

RAWALPINDI: At least 11 Pak Army soldiers were martyred in a clash with militants near the border with Afghanistan, security officials in Pakistan told the British news agency.

Meanwhile, the security forces have eliminated 30 Indian-sponsored Khwarij in an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Orakzai district.

The killed terrorists were involved in the encounter in which Lt Col Junaid and Maj Tayyab Rahat along with nine soldiers were martyred.

Security forces have been conducting a series of retribution operations against the terrorists involved in the heinous incident that occurred in the general area Jamal Maya of Orakzai District on October 7, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Khwarij found in the area.

APP adds: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out a successful anti-terrorist operation in Orakzai.

In their separate statements, they said the sacrifices of Lt. Col. Junaid Tariq, Major Tayyab Rahat, and other martyrs would never be squandered.

Zardari said the armed forces had made the nation proud by dismantling the network of Indian-sponsored Khwarij.

“Continuous successes against terrorism reflect our resolve.

“The brave sons of the soil have made history by sacrificing their lives to protect the motherland,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the officers and personnel of the security forces were tirelessly striving to safeguard the country from hostile elements, while risking their own lives. He said every officer and soldier of Pakistan’s armed forces was making the entire nation proud by embracing martyrdom to ensure the country’s security.

“We will never allow the sinister designs of terrorists to succeed. The fight against the scourge of terrorism will continue until its eradication in toto,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.