The Pak-Afghan border at Chaman. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Security forces on Sunday killed 29 terrorists during intelligence-led ground operations and precision strikes carried out under Operation Ghazb Lil Haq following the recent terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi.
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Tarar said the forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district on Sunday in which “high-value Khwarji commander Khan Farosh alias Zabal, along with three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Jamaat ul Ahrar, were sent to hell while several others were injured”.
In continuation of Operation Ghazb Lil Haq and based on credible intelligence, he added, Pakistan also carried out “precise targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Jamaat ul Ahrar and Fitna al Khwarij” on the night of June 28-29 in the border region.
According to the minister, three targets in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar were destroyed in precision strikes, killing 25 militants, while “large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored in these Marakiz and hideouts were also destroyed.”
He said Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region” but “will not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, which remains our top priority,” Tarar said.
Pakistan’s anti-terrorism campaign, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, “will continue in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”, he concluded.
The strikes come hours after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that retaliatory operations would be carried out against the perpetrators of the attack on the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi to avenge the martyrdom of its soldiers.
In a statement issued after the attack, the ISPR said that a relentless anti-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm e Istehkam would continue to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
According to the Army’s media wing, “Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Jamaat ul Ahrar” targeted a Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Gulistan-e-Jauhar locality of Karachi on Saturday evening.
Following an explosion at the camp’s main gate, the attackers attempted to breach the security perimeter, but were repelled by the vigilant response of Ranger personnel, who killed three terrorists and captured a wounded attacker, identified as an Afghan national.
Three Rangers personnel embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire, while four other soldiers were injured. He added that disinfection operations were continuing in the region to eliminate all Indian-sponsored terrorists.
The ISPR also said that Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed sincere condolences to the families of the fallen servicemen, saying their sacrifices further strengthened the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation at all costs.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the terror attack and paid rich tributes to the security personnel who embraced martyrdom.
In their separate messages, they praised the Rangers for foiling the attack. “The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave soldiers in the fight against terrorism,” President Zardari said in a statement issued by the Presidential Secretariat.
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated security forces for successfully foiling a cowardly terrorist attack. He said that the personnel of Pakistan Rangers had once again demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage and dedication in foiling the designs of terrorists.
Reiterating that “the blood of martyrs will not be in vain”, the Prime Minister said any manifestation of terrorism would be forcefully eliminated. He added that Fitna al-Hindustan and its supporters would never succeed in achieving their malicious goals.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the three Rangers personnel who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the attackers.
Naqvi, who arrived in Karachi on Sunday, also attended the funeral of the martyred Rangers personnel. He also visited the site of the terrorist attack. “Those involved in terrorism, wherever they are, will be pursued by security forces and brought to justice,” Naqvi said.
