12 terrorists also killed by armed forces; A young civilian girl died and seven other people were injured; Security forces react with precision
Emergency workers respond to a terrorist attack in Bajaur. Photo: Reuters
RAWALPINDI:
Twelve Indian-mandated terrorists were killed, while 11 security personnel were martyred, as security forces foiled a terror attack on a check post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) state’s Bajaur district, the Army’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, the term used for Indian proxy Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), attempted a cowardly attack on a joint security and law enforcement check post in Bajaur district on Monday.
“The attackers sought to breach the security check post; however, their nefarious designs were foiled quickly and decisively by the vigilant and resolute response of the Pakistani security forces,” the ISPR said in a press release issued here.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the fleeing Khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 Khwarij. In their desperation, the attackers rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into the surrounding wall,” the statement added.
“Due to the impact of the blast, the infrastructure of the check post collapsed, 11 brave sons of the soil made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat. Tragically, the civilian residential buildings nearby also suffered severe destruction following the blast, resulting in the martyrdom of an innocent girl and seven others injured, including women and children.”
According to Army media reports, disinfection operations were underway to eliminate any further Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further strengthen our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the statement said.
He said the relentless anti-terrorism campaign carried out under the vision of ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by the Supreme Federal Committee on National Action Plan) by the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism.
The country’s political leaders, meanwhile, strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack carried out by India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij and offered condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred security personnel and a young civilian girl, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement that the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in defense of the country have only strengthened Pakistan’s resolve. He stressed that the complete eradication of externally supported terrorism remains a top national priority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the rapid response of the armed forces and their major successes against terrorism under the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision and reiterated that the entire nation stood with its forces in the fight against extremism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised security forces for foiling the terrorist attack, saying their brave troops eliminated 12 terrorists. “The heroic sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten,” he said. “The nation will always honor those who gave their lives.”
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the attack. He described the martyrdom of security personnel and a young girl as deeply tragic, saying relief agencies had been ordered to launch immediate and comprehensive relief operations.
Afridi stressed that such cowardly acts cannot weaken the resolve of the nation. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete elimination of terrorism. He said operations against anti-peace elements would be further intensified across the province.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also praised the professionalism and courage of the security forces, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He reiterated that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain.
(WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THE AGENCIES)
