At least one helicopter crash landed on Friday at the Badaber airbase in Peshawar during the surveillance, evacuation and rescue operation conducted by the special forces, well placed sources informed Pakistan Today.
The incident slightly injured the Commanding Officer (CO) 9 Squadron and his co-pilot.
According to information available with Pakistan Today, three helicopters flew from Tarbela, carrying commandos from a unit from the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) of Zarrar Company, to take part in the operation at the Badaber airbase. The helicopters had three sorties from Tarbela to Peshawar.
Both pilots were rescued and provided immediate medical treatment. Another source, however, said both officers were on duty. The ISPR did not comment on the matter.
Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General (ISPR-DG) Major General Asim Bajwa also hinted at the crash landing, mentioning in a tweet that one helicopter had made an emergency landing due to a technical fault.
“3 heli participate in clearance/cas/evac. A heli made emergency landing due technical fault, safe.11,” he wrote.
ARMY LOSES A PEARL:
The Pakistan Army suffered a major loss when one its brightest and most brilliant soldiers, Captain Isfandyar Bukhari, embraced martyrdom while engaging the terrorists at the Badaber airbase.
According to army sources, Captain Isfandyar was the first to reach the airbase along with his commander from the 102 brigade even before the Quick Response Force (QRF) could reach the spot. This was the same brigade which had been the first to reach the spot when a bunch of hardcore terrorists attacked APS Peshawar on December 16, 2014.
“While the brigade commander led the way and restricted the terrorists near the guard room, a contingent of the QRF also arrived. The QRF was led by a junior commissioned officer (JCO). However, Captain Isfandyar volunteered and took over the command of the QRF and engaged another group of terrorists,” the source said and added that the captain killed four terrorists and injured some others before being hit by a sniper. The bullet entered his abdomen from behind a window. Later, the young commander succumbed to his injuries.
Capt Isfandyar was a great soldier and was highly regarded amongst his peers and officers. After completing his education from Hassan Abdal Cadet College, he was selected for the PMA 118 Long Course, Kakul.
He was Wing Commander Jinnah Wing, 48th Entry and was awarded the sword of honour during the passing out parade for the course. He held the position of Battalion Sergeant Under Officer (BSUO) 1st Pak Battalion in the PMA.
After completing his course, he remained attached with the School of Infantry & Tactics after his Young Officer’s Course due to his own research. During his research, Isfandyar invented an instrument for precise indirect mortar fire on enemy locations.
He was also decorated with a gold medal for his research in tactics, a military subject.
