12 terrorists also killed by forces; A civilian girl dies and seven others are injured; Security forces respond with precision
Emergency workers respond to a terrorist attack in Bajaur. Photo: Reuters
RAWALPINDI:
Twelve Indian terrorists were killed, while 11 security personnel suffered martyrdom, when security forces foiled a terror attack at a check post in Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the army’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, a term used to refer to the Indian representative Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), on Monday attempted a cowardly attack on a joint checkpoint of security forces and law enforcement agencies in Bajaur district.
“The attackers attempted to breach the security checkpoint, however, their nefarious plans were quickly and decisively thwarted by the vigilant and determined response of Pakistan’s security forces,” the ISPR said in a press release issued here.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our brave troops precisely engaged the fleeing Khwarij, eliminating 12 Khwarij. In desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall,” he added.
“Due to the impact of the explosion, the infrastructure at the checkpoint collapsed, as a result, 11 brave sons of the soil, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat. Tragically, civilian residential buildings in the vicinity also suffered severe destruction as a result of the explosion, leading to the martyrdom of one innocent young girl and injuries to seven others, including women and children.”
According to army media, disinfection operations were being carried out to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” he said.
He said the relentless anti-terrorism campaign under the “Azm e Istehkam” vision (approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism.
Meanwhile, the country’s political leaders strongly condemned the cowardly terror attack by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred security personnel and a 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 for the country’s defense only strengthened Pakistan’s resolve. He stressed that the complete eradication of foreign-backed terrorism remains a top national priority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the timely response of the armed forces and their major successes against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision and reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its forces in the fight against extremism.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for foiling the terror attack and said the 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 termed the martyrdom of the security personnel and a young girl as deeply tragic and said rescue agencies had been ordered to launch immediate and comprehensive relief operations.
Afridi emphasized that such cowardly acts cannot weaken the nation’s resolve. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete elimination of terrorism. He said operations against elements hostile to peace would be further intensified across the province.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also praised the professionalism and bravery of the security forces, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not be in vain.
(WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AGENCIES)
