12 terrorists killed as security forces foil attack in Bajaur: ISPR

Twelve terrorists were killed after security forces foiled a terror attack on a joint security and law enforcement check post in Bajaur district on Monday, the army’s media wing reported.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers, described as belonging to Indian representative Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), attempted to breach the security of the checkpoint. The troops responded quickly, attacking the assailants and eliminating 12 of them as they tried to flee.

Fitna al-Khawarij is a term used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The ISPR claimed that during the assault, the attackers crashed a vehicle loaded with explosives into the perimeter wall of the checkpoint. The powerful explosion caused parts of the infrastructure to collapse, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.

“The explosion also damaged nearby residential buildings, killing one young woman and injuring seven others, including women and children,” the statement said.

The ISPR claimed that sanitization operations are being carried out in the area to eliminate the remaining militants. Officials said the anti-terror drive under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Security officials said the sacrifices of personnel and civilians underline the determination to safeguard the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack carried out by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in Bajaur.

The president offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience for their families, describing the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the defense of the country as reinforcing Pakistan’s resolve.

Zardari emphasized that the complete eradication of foreign-backed terrorism from the country remains a top priority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attempted terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists on a joint security and law enforcement checkpoint in Bajaur district.

The prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 11 security personnel and one innocent civilian in the attack. He offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and conveyed his condolences to their families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.

In a timely response by Pakistani security forces, the prime minister said 12 terrorists involved in the attack were neutralized. He praised the armed forces for achieving significant successes against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision.

Prime Minister Shehbaz asserted that the entire nation stands with Pakistani forces in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.

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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of a suicide attack on an FC check post in Malangi area of ​​Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district and strongly condemned the incident.

In a statement, the prime minister described the martyrdom of the security personnel and a young woman in the attack as tragic. He said rescue agencies had been ordered to carry out immediate and comprehensive relief operations after the blast.

Afridi said efforts were being intensified to recover people trapped under the rubble, adding that the provincial government stands in solidarity with the families of the martyrs.

He said such cowardly acts of terrorism could not weaken the nation’s resolve and emphasized that a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete elimination of terrorism.

“Terrorism is a collective challenge for the entire country,” he said, adding that operations against elements hostile to peace in the province would be further accelerated.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised Pakistani security forces for successfully foiling a terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij on a checkpoint in Bajaur district.

Naqvi expressed his deepest condolences to the 11 security personnel who were martyred during the operation and conveyed his deepest condolences to their families.

He said the brave troops eliminated 12 terrorists in the process and praised their bravery in foiling the terrorists’ nefarious plans.

“The heroic sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten,” the minister said, adding that the nation will always honor the memory of those who gave their lives defending the country.