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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces eliminated 11 Indian terrorists in two separate Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) in North Waziristan and Kurram districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release on Saturday.
According to the ISPR, the IBOs were carried out following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Khwarij were killed when troops attacked their positions.
Security forces carried out an intelligence operation in North Waziristan district. During the operation, troops effectively attacked the Khwarij location and after an intense exchange of fire, six Khwarij were killed, the statement said.
Another joint IBO between police and security forces was held in Kurram district. In the subsequent exchange of fire, five Khwarij were neutralized, he added. “Sanitation operations are being carried out to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khwarij in the area.”
The ISPR said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian-sponsored Khwarij, which had continued to actively engage in numerous terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies and targeted killing of innocent civilians.
He said a “relentless anti-terror campaign” under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue “in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the professional competence of security and police personnel in eliminating 11 Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in the IBOs.
Zardari reiterated that efforts will continue until the complete eradication of Fitna al-Khwarij. “The role of security forces and law enforcement agencies in protecting the lives and property of the nation is commendable,” he said, according to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister appreciated the professional ability and bravery of the security forces in neutralizing 11 terrorists. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication from the country.
Shehbaz said Pakistan Armed Forces personnel and police were fighting day and night against anti-state elements and making immense sacrifices to safeguard the nation. “With our brave and diligent officers and soldiers, the enemy does not have the courage to look down on Pakistan.”
He further stated that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the homeland.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also issued a separate statement, praising the “professionalism of security forces and police” during the IBOs in North Waziristan and Kurram districts. He said timely and effective action by security forces and law enforcement agencies prevented major losses.
The governor appreciated their coordinated efforts and operational skills in addressing threats to public safety. He stressed that a zero-tolerance policy against elements hostile to the State would be strictly enforced.
Expressing solidarity with the brave personnel, he said the role of security forces and police in protecting lives and properties of citizens was highly commendable and reaffirmed that all departments would continue to work together to ensure lasting peace and stability in KP.
(With input from the APP)
