The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Chaman. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
ISLAMABAD:
On Sunday, security forces killed 29 terrorists during intelligence-based ground operations and precision strikes carried out under Operation Ghazb Lil Haq following the recent terror attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi.
In a post on
Tarar said the forces carried out an intelligence operation in Bajaur district on Sunday in which “high-value Khwarji commander Khan Farosh alias Zabal, along with three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Jamaat ul Ahrar, were sent to hell while several others were injured.”
In continuation of Operation Ghazb Lil Haq and based on credible intelligence, he added, Pakistan also carried out “precise strikes against terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Jamaat ul Ahrar and Fitna al Khwarij” during the night of June 28-29 in the border region.
According to the minister, during the precision strikes three targets in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar were destroyed, killing 25 militants, while “large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored in these Marakiz and hideouts were also destroyed.”
He said Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region” but “will not compromise the security of our citizens, which remains our top priority,” Tarar said.
Pakistan’s anti-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ “will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” he concluded.
The attacks came hours after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that retaliatory operations would be carried out against the perpetrators of the attack on the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi to avenge the martyrdom of its soldiers.
In a statement issued after the attack, the ISPR said a relentless anti-terror campaign under the vision of ‘Azm and Istehkam’ would continue to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
According to the army’s media wing, “Khwarij, belonging to Indian representative Jamaat ul Ahrar”, attacked a Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Gulistan-e-Jauhar locality in Karachi late on Saturday.
Following an explosion at the main gate of the camp, the attackers attempted to breach the security perimeter, but were repelled by the vigilant response of Ranger personnel, who killed three terrorists and captured a wounded attacker, identified as an Afghan national.
He said three members of the Rangers embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire, while four other soldiers were wounded. He added that disinfection operations were continuing in the area to eliminate the remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists.
The ISPR also said Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, saying their sacrifices further reinforced the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation at all costs.
On the other hand, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the terrorist attack and paid tribute to the security personnel who embraced martyrdom.
In separate messages, they praised the Rangers for thwarting the attack. “The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave soldiers in the fight against terrorism,” President Zardari said in a statement issued by the Presidential Secretariat.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the security forces for successfully foiling a cowardly terrorist attack. He said the Pakistan Rangers personnel had once again demonstrated exceptional professionalism, bravery and devotion to duty in foiling the designs of terrorists.
Reaffirming that “the blood of the martyrs will not be in vain”, the Prime Minister affirmed that all manifestations of terrorism will be eliminated with all their force. He added that Fitna al-Hindustan and its sponsors would never achieve their malicious goals.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the three members of the Rangers who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the attackers.
Naqvi, who arrived in Karachi on Sunday, also attended the funeral of the martyred Rangers personnel. He also visited the site of the terrorist attack. “Those involved in terrorism, wherever they are, will be hunted down by security forces and brought to justice,” Naqvi said.
