In a tragic escalation of violence, 16 brave soldiers of Pakistan’s security forces embraced martyrdom while eight militants were neutralized during a fierce exchange of fire in South Waziristan’s Makeen district, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to army media, the clash occurred during the night of December 20-21, when a group of militants attempted to attack a security checkpoint.
The ISPR revealed that the soldiers effectively foiled the attempt and successfully eliminated eight militants. Despite their heroic efforts, 16 soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty.
While reiterating the commitment of Pakistan’s security forces to eradicate terrorism, the ISPR statement emphasized that a remediation operation is currently underway in the area, with a firm resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyred soldiers.
Extending his condolences to their families, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the security forces in neutralizing the militants and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
“Our security forces are a firm shield against terrorists and ensure the security of our nation. The entire country salutes the martyrs and remains resolute in the fight against terrorism,” the Prime Minister said.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and termed their sacrifice as incomparable.
“These brave sons of the soil gave their lives for peace in the country and are the heroes of our nation. Their sacrifices will always be remembered,” he said, pledging unwavering support to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Details of the martyrs
The ISPR shared the profiles of the 16 martyrs, all of whom hailed from different regions of Pakistan and had spent several years serving in the armed forces:
Lance Naik Liaqat Ali (30, Kurram district): Served for 11 years.
Lance Naik Muhammad Ishaq (31, Karak District): Served for 9 years.
Havaldar Ayub Khan (38, Attock district): Served for 15 years.
Havaldar Umar Hayat (40, Kohat district): Served for 17 years.
Sepoy Mehboob Rehman (26, District Tank) – Served for 8 years.
Havaldar Muhammad Hayat (37, Bannu district): served for 17 years.
Lance Naik Sher Muhammad (26 years, Malakand district) – Served for 7 years.
Sepoy Ehsan-ul-Haq (22, Lower District Dir): Served for 4 years.
Sepoy Junaid (25, Khyber district): served for 3 years.
Lance Naik Hamid Ali (29 years old, Swabi district): served for 8 years.
Sepoy Kaleemullah (26, Lakki Marwat District): Served for 3 years.
Havaldar Tahir Mahmood (41, Kohat district): served for 18 years.
Lance Naik Masoor Shaheen (29, Kohat district): Served for 7 years.
Sepoy Faiz Muhammad (22, Mansehra District): Served for 4 years.
Sepoy Tayyab Ali (23, Haripur district): Joined the army a year ago.
Sepoy Junaid (26, Shangla district): served for 4 years.
