Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces have successfully eliminated thirteen militants belonging to the Indian-sponsored group Fitna al-Khawarij in separate counter-terrorism operations in Khyber and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was carried out in Bara, Khyber District, where troops engaged militants at a designated location. Following intense gunfire, ten militants were killed, ISPR stated.
A second operation took place in Bannu District, where security forces neutralized three additional Khwarij after a fire exchange. ISPR noted that sanitization efforts are ongoing to eliminate any remaining foreign-sponsored militants in the region.
“These operations are part of the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan,” ISPR said. “The efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full strength to eradicate terrorism backed by external forces.”
Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their effective operations. In separate statements, they reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.
President Zardari emphasized that sustained action against militants, particularly those supported by foreign powers, is crucial to national security and public safety. Prime Minister Sharif commended the military, saying, “The security forces are standing like an iron wall against terrorism to protect the nation.”
