Pakistan kills 16 terrorists and loses two soldiers in North Waziristan

Casualties and locations of engagement

The Inter-Services Public Relations stated that sixteen terrorists were neutralised over the past twelve hours. Twelve militants, including two Afghan nationals from Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, died in Ali Khel after fierce fire exchanges. Two additional terrorists each fell in Mir Ali and Datta Khel areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Havildar Asmat Ali, forty-three years old from Swabi district, and Naik Aftab Ali, thirty-two from Mardan, were martyred during these engagements.

Recovery of weapons and ongoing campaign

Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the killed terrorists who targeted innocent civilians. Sanitisation operations are currently underway to eliminate remaining holed-up fighters in the specific areas. The counterterrorism campaign continues under the government vision of Azm-e-Istehkam approved by the Federal Apex Committee. Law enforcement agencies will maintain full pace to wipe out foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Tributes from top political leaders

During a commendation of the security forces' successful operation, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered praise. The President issued a statement commending the troops and paying tribute to the fallen soldiers. He noted that the nation salutes its brave soldiers and will always remember their sacrifices.