Soldier Martyred And Terrrorist Killed In Tirah Valley Clash

Army chief says militants falsely believe they can challenge the writ of state

Soldier Martyred And Terrrorist Killed In Tirah Valley Clash

A soldier was martyred while a wanted terrorist was killed in a clash between militants and security forces in Tirah Valley of Khyber Tribal District.

In a statement issued by the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops patrolling in Tirah exchanged fire with suspected militants on the night between August 31 and September 1.

The troops "effectively engaged the terrorists' location," the statement read, adding that a terrorist was killed in the intense exchange of fire.

The terrorist, ISPR said, was allegedly involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and the murder of innocent civilians.

During the intense exchange of fire, 36-year-old Havildar Muntazir Shah, a resident of Sawabi District, embraced shahadat after fighting gallantly.

A follow-up search operation was launched in the area after the exchange of fire to trace any accomplices or any other terrorists found in the area.

Militants falsely believe they can challenge state writ

Earlier on Friday, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu where nine soldiers had embraced shahadat in a suicide attack on a military convoy in the Jani Khel area.

The army chief was briefed about the ongoing operations and overall security situation in the region.

"Army will continue to act as a bulwark against terrorism to safeguard the nation from this scourge," the COAS emphasized.

While interacting with officers and troops deployed in the area, the army chief emphasized that the military, law enforcement agencies and the nation can never be coerced by the cowardly tactics of terrorists, "who have a misbelief that they can challenge the iron resolve of the soldiers and writ of the state." 

He further said, "we have fought for long and will continue to fight the menace of terrorism until the end."

He said that the nation pays rich tribute to those who have laid down their lives for its safety and security and that their sacrifices will forever be honoured.

Later, the COAS visited the Combined Medical Hospital (CMH) at Bannu to inquire about the health and well-being of the injured soldiers.

He appreciated the high morale and unflinching resolve of the troops.