Peshawar:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has expressed regret for civil victims during an anti-terrorism operation against outlaws in Milda, extending their “deepest condolences to affected families” with whom, he said, he stands out at the time of pain.
Counting details of the operation in a statement on Saturday, the government said the security forces carried out an operation in the early hours of March 29 in the remote area of Katlang in Mardan.
He declared that the operation was based on credible intelligence with respect to the presence of armed militants who used the location as a point of hiding and transit.
“The operation successfully neutralized several high -value objectives linked to current militant activities in the region. Unfortunately, subsequent reports confirmed the presence of non -combatants, including women and children, on the periphery of the target zone, which resulted in tragic civil victims,” he said.
This, he said, was an immensely painful and unfortunate development.
“Everything possible during such operations is done to avoid collateral damage. However, the complex land, the deliberate tactics of the militants to embed into civil populations, and the fog of the war can sometimes lead to unintended consequences,” he added.
The KP government extended its deepest condolences to affected families, stating that immediate measures are being taken to investigate the circumstances surrounding the civil presence in the area.
“[Efforts are also underway to] Extend medical assistance to injured and to facilitate relief and compensation for victims families.
“Security forces are committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational conduct and remain focused on eliminating threats while preserving civil security.
“The sacrifices of our people do not forget, and we are still united in our peace resolution and security at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the officers and Jawans of the security forces for carrying out an operation against “Khawarij” in Katlang, and “frustrating their nefarious designs” to spread the extremism in addition to a successful operation against terrorists in Kalat.
The prime minister praised the professional skills of the officers and Jawanes of the security forces for “successful operation against Fitna-Al-Khawarij” and their facilitators and killing six terrorists in Kalat. He said that the security forces, by destroying Khawarij’s hairs, had protected the country with great damage.
He said that no terrorism organization, including ‘Fitna-Al-Khawarij’, would be allowed to ruin the peace of the country. “The war against terrorism will continue until the complete eradication of the country’s terrorism.”
