Sixteen soldiers were martyred on Saturday when terrorists attacked a check post in Makeen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district, while eight Khwarij terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire, the military’s media wing said Saturday.

According to a statement issued by ISPR, on the night 20-21 December 2024, a group of Khwarij attempted to attack a Security Forces Check Post in general area Makeen, South Waziristan District.

The attempt was effectively thwarted by own troops and in ensuing fire exchange, eight khwarij were sent to hell. However, during intense fire exchange, sixteen brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly embraced Shahadat.

Sanitization operation is being conducted in the area and the perpetrators of the heinous act will be brought to justice. Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the attack by Khwarij terrorists on a security check post in the Makeen area of South Waziristan district.

In his statement, the Prime Minister paid glowing tribute to the sixteen brave security personnel, who embraced Shahadat while valiantly combating the terrorists. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the martyrs’ families, and prayed for the elevation of their ranks.

The Prime Minister said that our security forces are determined to eliminate terrorists, defending the country with courage and determination.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed that the entire nation salutes the martyrs for their ultimate sacrifices, and assured that Pakistan is committed in its fight to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.