An army major gallantly embraced martyrdom while leading a successful intelligence-based operation that resulted in the elimination of seven Indian-sponsored terrorists in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing announced on Thursday.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces launched the operation on Wednesday, October 8, based on confirmed intelligence about the presence of militants linked to the Fitna al Khwarij network. A heavy shootout ensued between the troops and the extremists.

During the intense confrontation, Major Sibtain Haider, a 30-year-old resident of Quetta, laid down his life for the nation. The ISPR noted that he was courageously leading his men from the front lines when he embraced shahadat.

The ISPR confirmed that due to the effective engagement by the troops, all seven militants were killed in the exchange of fire. The deceased insurgents were reportedly wanted for their involvement in numerous previous attacks against security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and innocent citizens.

Authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from the slain individuals following the gun battle.

A sanitization and clearance operation is currently underway in the vicinity to track down any remaining fugitives. The ISPR statement reaffirmed that the armed forces are determined to wipe out the threat of terrorism, adding that such sacrifices by the country’s brave soldiers only bolster their commitment to defending the motherland at any cost.