Peshawar:
The government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) expressed its regrets of civilian victims during an operation to combat terrorism against outlaws in Mardan, extending its “greatest condolences to affected families” with which, he said, he stands at the time of sorrow.
Saying the details of the operation in a statement on Saturday, the government said that the security forces had carried out an operation in the early hours of March 29 in the distant area of the Katlang summit in Mardan.
He said the operation was based on credible information concerning the presence of armed activists who used the location as a hiding place and transit.
“The operation has succeeded in neutralizing several high-value objectives linked to the ongoing militant activities in the region. Unfortunately, subsequent reports have confirmed the presence of non-combatants, including women and children, on the outskirts of the target zone, causing tragic civilian victims,” he said
He said that it was an extremely painful and regrettable development.
“All efforts are made during these operations to avoid collateral damage. However, the complex terrain, the deliberate tactics of activists to integrate into civilian populations, and the fog of war can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences,” he added.
The KP government has exercised its largest condolences to affected families, declaring that immediate measures are taken to investigate the circumstances surrounding the civil presence in the region.
“”[Efforts are also underway to] Extend medical assistance to the injured and facilitate the repair and compensation of the families of the victims.
“The security forces are determined to maintain the highest standards of operational driving and to remain focused on eliminating threats while preserving civil security.
“The sacrifices of our people are not forgotten, and we remain united in our determination for peace and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” added the statement.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the officers and jawans of the security forces on Saturday for having carried out an operation against “Khawarij” in Katlang, and “thwarting their harmful creations” to spread extremism in addition to a successful operation against the Kalat terrorists.
The Prime Minister praised the professional skills of officers and jawans of the security forces for “a successful operation against Fitna-Al-Khawarij” and their facilitators and killing six terrorists in Kalat. He said the security forces, destroying Khawarij’s dens, had protected the country from big damage.
He said that no organization of terrorism, including “Fitna-Al-Khawarij” would be authorized to ruin the peace of the country. “The war against terrorism will continue until the complete eradication of the country’s terrorism.”
