The security forces on Monday gunned down two terrorists during an intelligence-based operation carried out in Tank area of Dera Ismail Khan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
During the gunfight between terrorist and security forces, two high-value targets were eliminated. Army officer Colonel Mujeeb ur Rehman also embraced martyrdom while fighting with the insurgents, the ISPR said.
The security forces, after receiving confirmed intelligence about planning of a sabotage activity, conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on a terrorist hideout near Tank, Dera Ismail Khan. “As soon as troops cordoned off the area, terrorists opened fire. During operation, two terrorists (high-value targets) were killed. In intense exchange of fire, Colonel Mujeeb ur Rehman embraced martyrdom,” the ISPR said. During the sanitization operation, a large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorist hideout.
Colonel Mujeeb ur Rehman hailed from Bunji, District Astore. His bereaved family members include a widow, three sons and a daughter.
Intelligence officials said the slain terrorists belonged to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. The group had a strong presence in the region until recent years, when the army killed or arrested most of its members in series of operations.
Tank is a strategic town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, which has witnessed dozens of terrorist attacks in recent years, most claimed by the TTP.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have appreciated the security forces for conducting a successful operation in Tank area in which two terrorists were killed.
Both the prime minister and president paid tribute to the martyred colonel, saying he has sacrificed his life during the operation to foil the nefarious designs of the terrorists. “Whole of the nation recognizes the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Army and the security institutions. It was due to their sacrifices that terrorism has been eliminated and peace restored,” the prime minister said.
“The nation is united and resolved in the war against this scourge of terrorism,” the president said in a statement issued by the President House.
They also prayed for peace of the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that foiling a major terror bid in DI Khan shows professional prowess of Pakistan’s valiant armed forces.
In a tweet, she paid tribute to martyred Colonel Mujib ur Rehman, “who sacrificed his today for tomorrow of his countrymen.” She said “our martyrs are our pride, and the entire nation salutes them.”
Former president Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto also expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Col Mujeeb ur Rahman. They said that the martyred officer has sacrificed his life for the country fighting the terrorists and that entire nation is proud of sons like him. They condoled with the family of the martyred officer and prayed for strength and fortitude for them to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
