:Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai during the night between October 7 and 8, targeting the India-backed terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the exchange of fire, forces effectively retaliated, killing 19 terrorists. However, nine soldiers, including two senior officers, embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely against the militants.

The martyred officers were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (39, resident of Rawalpindi) and Major Tayyab Rahat (33, resident of Rawalpindi).

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The other martyrs included Naib Subedar Azam Gul (Khyber), Naik Adeel Hussain (Kurram), Naik Gul Amir (Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (Mardan), Lance Naik Talib Faraz (Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (Tank).

Three soldiers sustained injuries in the exchange, Naib Subedar Rais (Ranizai tribe), Sepoy Waqar (Mohmand tribe), and Sepoy Sammaullah (Orakzai tribe).

Additionally, five soldiers are reported missing: Naik Ambar (Afridi tribe), Naik Mustajab (Bannuchi tribe), Naik Asif (Yousafzai tribe), Sepoy Amir Zeb (Utman Khel tribe), and Lance Naik Qaiser (Khattak tribe).

According to the ISPR spokesperson, a clearance operation in the area is underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists.“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our national resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country,” the statement added.

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