BANNU/RAWALPINDI:
Security forces on Monday killed three terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts, while five policemen were injured the same day in an armed attack on the convoy of North Waziristan District Police Officers (DPOs) near Bannu, officials said.
These incidents come amid a persistent terror threat in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border belt, where cross-border infiltration attempts and targeted attacks on security personnel have intensified in recent months.
The DPO narrowly escaped the attack, which occurred amid heightened security operations across KP.
According to Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan, gunmen opened fire on the vehicle of the North Waziristan DPO. He said the attack took place on Miranshah Road, a key link between Bannu and North Waziristan, but confirmed that the DPO remained unhurt.
“The unidentified attackers hid in nearby areas and a search operation is underway. [to trace them]” he said.
According to police sources, DPO Waqar Khan was traveling from North Waziristan to Bannu with his security team when the attackers, lying in wait, opened fire using automatic and heavy weapons.
The police responded with precision and courage, forcing the attackers to flee after suffering heavy losses.
Thanks to the DPO’s bulletproof vehicle and the reinforced protection of the patrol cars that accompanied it, a major tragedy was avoided. The injured police officers were immediately transferred to the district headquarters hospital, where they received medical assistance.
Following the attack, Bannu Police launched a large-scale search operation in the area, with the participation of the Rapid Response Force (QRF), Rapid Response Force (RRF) and Armored Personnel Carriers (APC).
Later, Sajjad Khan, DIG Bannu Region, and DPO Waqar Khan visited the injured officers and asked doctors to ensure best possible treatment. The DIG and DPO condemned the cowardly act, saying such attacks cannot weaken the resolve of the police force.
“The police remain faithful to their mission of protecting the lives and property of citizens,” they said, promising that any such acts of terrorism would be met with a firm response.
They reaffirmed their commitment to restore and maintain peace and order in the region using all available resources.
The attack took place as security forces reported a series of successful counter-terrorism operations in KP, highlighting persistent terrorist activity in the border region with Afghanistan.
Terrorists eliminated
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at least three terrorists were killed in two separate operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts on Monday.
“The movement of a group of khwarij, opposite the general area of Esham in North Waziristan district, who were trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was intercepted by security forces,” the ISPR said in a statement.
Army media said the troops “effectively engaged the group of khwarij. As a result of a precise and skillful engagement, two khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij, were sent to hell.”
The statement said one of the slain terrorists was identified as Qasim, an Afghan national who had served in the Afghan Border Police. During another intelligence operation (IBO) in Tank district, security forces killed another terrorist, identified as Ikramuddin alias Abu Dajana, also an Afghan national.
“These incidents reveal the continued involvement of Afghan nationals in numerous terrorist activities against innocent civilians and security forces inside Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
He added that Pakistan “has repeatedly requested the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on its side and it should fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij and the involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan.”
The military reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remained “resolute and steadfast in their commitment to defend the country’s borders.”
A disinfection operation has been launched in the area to eliminate any “further Indian-sponsored Kharji”, the ISPR said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated security forces for their successful counter-terrorism operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts, which resulted in the killing of three terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Khawarij group.
The President praised the forces for foiling the terrorists’ infiltration attempt in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. “Defeating India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij is vital for Pakistan’s peace and stability,” he said, paying tribute to the troops for their “timely and effective action”.
He added that the nation “is proud of its armed forces which have thwarted the evil designs of the enemy.”
He reiterated that under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, operations would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.
“Pakistan will never compromise on its defense, sovereignty or security,” President Zardari stressed, praying that “Almighty protects our beloved homeland from terrorism and all forms of discord.”
The Prime Minister praised the security personnel for their courage and professionalism, describing the operations as a reflection of the nation’s “unwavering determination” to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
“The entire nation stands with our security forces in their resolve for Azm-e-Istehkam and in the fight against terrorism,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said in a statement.
He reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to “eradicate the scourge of terrorism from all corners of the country”.
