SOUTH WAZIRISTAN / KURRAM: At least seven security personnel, including an officer, were martyred in two separate incidents in South Waziristan and Kurram on Tuesday.

At least 11 `Indian-sponsored terrorists` were killed and seven others injured when security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan district based on reports that the members of the Fitna al Khwarij the state`s term for the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were present in the area, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the operation, security personnel effectively engaged the hideout and gunned down 11 terrorists.

In the intense exchange of fire, 37-year-old Maj Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, a Chakwal native, and 27-year-old Lance Naik Jibranullah of Bannu embraced martyrdom, ISPR said.

Maj Shah was renowned for his courage and daring actions in numerous operations conducted against terrorists, it said, adding that he fought gallantly and`paid the ultimate sacrifice while leading his troops from the front`.

Sources said that Maj Shah was also part of the team that had apprehended downed Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019.

The ISPR said a sanitisation operationis being conducted in Sararogha to eliminate any otherterrorists.

Two women were killed after being caught in the crossfire between security forces and terrorists, according to local officials.

The women were travelling in a pickup vehicle from Khamrang to Wana when it was caught in the crossfire.

Two women died in the incident while five people, including two women, were injured, according to a police report.

Lower South Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Nisar Khan confirmed the incident.

`The civilian vehicle happened to be passing through the area at the time and unfortunately came under fire, he said.

Rescue teams and locals shifted the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Wana.

The medical superintendent of DHQ Wana, Dr Jan Muhammad, said one of the critically injured victims was referred to Dera Ismail Khan, while four were receiving treatment at the hospital.

Deputy Commissioner Khan confirmed that police had launched an investigation into the incident.

Kurram attack In Kurram, five security personnel were martyred and four injured in a terror attack in the Mandan area.

After the attack, the terrorists also set fire to avehicle and fled the area.

ISPR had yet to release any statement on the attack.

Tribute Political leaders have paid tribute to the soldiers martyred in the South Waziristan operation.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Maj Shah and Lance Naik Jibranullah, and praised the armed forces for the successful operation against terrorists.

The two soldiers laid down their lives while defending the homeland and thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemy, the prime minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office.

President Zardari, while praising the bravery and patriotism of the martyred soldiers, said thenation would always remember their sacrifices.

The president and the prime minister said the fight against terrorism will continue till its complete eradication.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Maj Shah and Lance Naik Jibranullah sacrificed their lives for the nation`s future.

Their courage and patriotism make them national heroes, he said.

With input from APP