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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces eliminated 11 Indian proxy terrorists in two separate Intelligence-Based Operations (IBO) in North Waziristan and Kurram districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release on Saturday.
According to the ISPR, the IBOs were carried out following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij, the term used to refer to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Khwarij were killed when the troops engaged their positions.
An intelligence operation was carried out by security forces in North Waziristan district. During the operation, the troops actually engaged the Khwarij site and, after an intense exchange of fire, six Khwarij were killed, according to the statement.
Another joint IBO conducted by police and security forces took place in Kurram district. During the exchange of fire that followed, five Khwarij were neutralized, the statement added. “Disinfection operations are underway to eliminate any further Indian-sponsored Khwarij in the region.”
The ISPR said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian-sponsored Khwarij, which remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies and in targeted killing of innocent civilians.
He said a “relentless anti-terrorism campaign” under the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision, as approved by the Supreme Federal Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue “in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the other hand, praised the professional competence of security personnel and police forces in eliminating 11 Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in IBO.
Zardari reiterated that efforts would continue until the complete eradication of Fitna al-Khwarij. “The role of the security forces and law enforcement agencies in protecting the lives and property of the nation is commendable,” he said, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Secretariat.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister appreciated the professional capabilities and courage of the security forces in neutralizing 11 terrorists. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication from the country.
Shehbaz said Pakistan Armed Forces personnel and police were fighting day and night against anti-state elements and making immense sacrifices to safeguard the nation. “Thanks to our brave and dedicated officers and soldiers, the enemy does not have the courage to cast an evil eye on Pakistan.”
He further said that the entire nation stands with the security forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the homeland.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also issued a separate statement, praising the “professionalism of the security forces and police” during the IBOs in North Waziristan and Kurram districts. He said the rapid and effective action of security and law enforcement forces prevented significant losses.
The governor appreciated their coordinated efforts and operational skills in confronting public safety threats. He stressed that a zero tolerance policy would be strictly enforced against elements hostile to the state.
Expressing solidarity with the brave personnel, he said the role of security forces and police in protecting the lives and properties of citizens was highly commendable, and reiterated that all departments would continue to work together to ensure lasting peace and stability in KP.
(With contribution from APP)
