Rawalpindi:
Twelve soldiers were martyred and 35 terrorists linked to the Fitna Al Khwarij network sponsored by the Indians were killed in two separate intelligence operations carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between September 10 and 13, the military media wing reported on Saturday.
According to inter-service public relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in the Bajaur district following reports of terrorist presence. “The own troops have effectively hired the location and after an intense fire exchange, 22 activists were killed,” the statement said.
During a separate meeting in the district of southern Waziristan, 13 additional terrorists were “neutralized” by the security forces. The army confirmed that 12 staff “fought valiantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and kissed Shahadat (martyr)”.
Find out more: 14 Terrorists TTP neutralized in KP operations
Weapons and ammunition have been recovered from terrorists who, according to the soldiers, had been involved in multiple attacks in the region.
The ISPR added that intelligence reports indicated the physical involvement of Afghan nationals during recent attacks, stressing that “the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists remains a serious concern”.
“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to respect its responsibilities and denies the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the statement said.
The soldiers said that disinfection operations were underway to eliminate the remaining terrorists, promising that the armed forces were “determined to destroy the threat of terrorism” and that soldiers’ sacrifices “further strengthen our resolution”.
President, PM pays tribute to Martyred Soldier
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow about the loss of 12 soldiers and said their sacrifice was not going in vain. “The blood of our martyrs further strengthens the determination of the nation to eradicate terrorism,” he said, urging Kabul to “make sure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for eliminating 35 terrorists in Bajaur and south of Waziristan, while paying tribute to the 12 soldiers who kissed martyrdom during the operations.
In a statement, the Prime Minister praised the bravery of the troops, prayed for the elevation of the ranks of martyrs and condolences granted to their families. He said the whole nation had praised the security forces, which continued to stand as a rock in the fight against terrorism, reiterating the determination of its government to eradicate activism in all its forms.
The Minister of the Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, also praised the security forces for foiling the conceptions of terrorists through “a timely and professional action”. He praised the staff who “brought Khawarij terrorists to an end” and said that the martyrs’ sacrifices testified to the unshakable determination of Pakistan.
CMS of Sindh and Punjab, and Governor KP congratulates the security forces
Head Minister Maryam Nawaz also congratulated the security forces for their successful operations in southern Waziristan, welcoming the elimination of 35 terrorists as a major achievement. She paid tribute to the 12 soldiers who put their lives, saying that they had “paid the price of peace with their blood”.
Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Faisal Karim Kundi paid tribute to the bravery of the security forces. He said that the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would not be in vain and stressed that the determination of the nation to overcome terrorism was “unshakable”.
Sindh -chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also praised the military efforts in Bajaur and south of Waziristan, describing the elimination of 35 terrorists a “great achievement of the brave armed forces”. He paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last activist is eliminated.
