Security forces destroy a vehicle loaded with explosives; President Zardari and Naqvi praise quick response of security forces
Four terrorists were killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district after security forces foiled a major terror plot by destroying an “explosive-laden vehicle meant for a suicide attack”, the army’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack took place today when terrorists belonging to the ‘India-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij’ attempted to attack a security forces check post in South Waziristan district.
“The Khwarij attempted to breach the security checkpoint, however, their nefarious plans were decisively checked and thwarted by the vigilant and determined response of the security forces,” the statement said.
Read: 12 soldiers among 15 martyrs in terrorist tank attack
The ISPR said security forces successfully attacked the explosive-laden vehicle and destroyed it outside the perimeter of the post, killing a suicide bomber who was inside the vehicle. He added that the attack did not cause any damage.
“Security personnel engaged the remaining intruders, forcing three Khwarij into a nearby compound, who were then neutralized in a precisely deliberate clearance operation, without any casualties on the part of the forces,” the statement said, while praising the soldiers for displaying “unwavering courage and professional excellence” during the operation.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
He further said that a disinfection operation was being carried out to eliminate any other “Indian-sponsored kharji” found in the area.
The media wing of the army said the anti-terror campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Read also: Two officials martyred in terrorist ambush on government vehicle in Kohat
President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for foiling the terrorist attack and praised their timely response and professional action.
In a statement, President Zardari praised the forces for defeating what he described as the “nefarious designs” of terrorists through a swift and decisive operation.
“The security forces thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious designs through timely and decisive actions,” the president said.
He said security forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing counter-terrorism operations with full determination and resolve.
“Terrorists and their enablers will be defeated in all circumstances,” he added.
Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces for foiling the attempted suicide attack.
“The nation is proud of the officers and personnel of Pakistan’s security forces,” the home minister said.
He said security forces were fighting terrorism with “unwavering resolve and extraordinary spirit” and achieving significant successes.
Read more: Terrorists should not be called by any other name, says Tarar
Terrorist attacks have increased in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in recent years, raising concerns over the security situation in the two provinces. Security forces have been carrying out operations to counter the threat, targeting terrorist groups.
In the latest incident, at least 15 security personnel and a government official were martyred when terrorists belonging to the ‘India-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij’ attacked a joint police checkpost in KP’s Tank district on Thursday night.
On the same night, a deputy sub-inspector of Excise Office, Kohat and a Customs official were martyred, while another Customs official was seriously injured after terrorists ambushed a government vehicle at a joint check post on the Indus Highway in Kohat and set it on fire.
