A cleansing operation is underway to eliminate the remaining Khwarij in the area, sponsored by India.
Security forces neutralized 22 Indian-sponsored terrorists during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu district as part of their ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision, the Army said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the IBO was held on the night of November 24 after reports of the presence of Khwarij belonging to the Indian representative, Fitna al Khwarij.
Read: Eight terrorists killed during Bannu IBO: ISPR
During the operation, troops engaged with the suspects and after an intense exchange of fire, the Khwarij were neutralized.
A disinfection operation is underway to remove any Indian-sponsored Khwarij remaining in the area. The anti-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan, by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, will continue in full swing to eradicate foreign sponsored terrorism from the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari has praised security forces for their successful intelligence-based operation against Khwarij in Bannu. He praised their timely and effective response in neutralizing 22 attackers belonging to the Indian group Fitna al-Khwarij. The President further acknowledged the commitment of Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision, terming it commendable.
He stressed that eliminating India-backed Khwarij remains the state’s top priority. President Zardari also paid tribute to the martyrs and warriors, calling them the pride of the nation, and saluted the bravery of the troops who displayed exceptional bravery during the operation.
Read more: Five terrorists killed in Khuzdar IBO: ISPR
Federal Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended his salute to security forces for neutralizing 22 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Bannu. He praised the forces for their successful operation against the terrorists and highlighted their timely response to thwart the malicious designs of the attackers.
The Minister also praised the ongoing operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, aimed at eliminating the menace of Fitna al-Hindustan, terming them highly commendable.
He assured that with the support of the nation, Pakistan is determined to completely eradicate the unholy presence of Fitna al-Hindustan and will not allow the terrorists and their enablers to hide anywhere.
The Minister concluded by highlighting that the nation takes immense pride in its brave security forces.
