Six security personnel, including two young army officers, were killed while eight militants died in an exchange of fire in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the clash occurred on September 20 when a security forces convoy encountered militants in the district.
“Eight Khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were killed due to effective engagement by own troops,” the ISPR said.
“Fitna-al-Khawarij” is the terminology used by Pakistani authorities for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while the allegation of Indian sponsorship reflects the Pakistani government and military’s position.
The ISPR said two officers who were leading their troops from the front were killed during the intense exchange of fire, along with four other security personnel.
The officers were identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, from Gujranwala district, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, from Chakwal district.
According to the military, the officers “fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat” alongside the four other personnel.
Security forces subsequently launched clearance operations in surrounding areas to locate any remaining militants and safeguard local communities and important national highways.
The ISPR said counterterrorism operations under the government-approved Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue “with full resolve.”