Security forces killed five Fitna al Khawarij terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Khar area of Bajaur district on December 29, while an army officer was martyred in an exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was conducted on reported intelligence about the presence of Indian-sponsored Khwarij. The forces engaged the suspects, resulting in the killing of five terrorists.

However, during the intense gun battle, Major Adeel Zaman, 36, a resident of Dera Ismail Khan, was martyred while leading his troops from the front. The ISPR said the officer fought bravely and made the ultimate sacrifice.

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed khawarij, who were involved in multiple terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians.

The military said sanitisation operations were underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants.

Reaffirming its resolve, the ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.