ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (Alliance News): A Pakistan Army captain embraced martyrdom while seven India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on August 7 after intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists in the area.
Security forces effectively engaged the militants’ hideout, killing seven terrorists during the exchange of fire.
Captain Hamza Akram, 27, a resident of Narowal district, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops from the front during the intense firefight, the ISPR said.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who had been involved in multiple attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians.
Following the operation, security forces launched a sanitisation operation to clear the area of any remaining militants.
The military reaffirmed its resolve to continue nationwide counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
Three militants killed in Mastung operation
Meanwhile, security forces killed three militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and detained 12 suspects during Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3 in the Kambela and Asimabad areas of Mastung district in Balochistan, according to security sources.
The operation involved extensive search and clearance activities covering approximately 68 square kilometres.
Security sources said the bodies of two militants were recovered, while four others, including a key commander identified as Shaukat Mama, were injured.
During the operation, security personnel detained 12 suspects for questioning and dismantled militant hideouts, removing flags associated with the Fitna al-Hindustan group.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities during the second quarter of 2026, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remaining the worst-affected region.
