RAWALPINDI:

Nine terrorists were neutralized by security forces in two separate Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) in North Waziristan district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Sunday.

The military’s media wing said the IBOs took place on Saturday in Dosalli and Esham areas of the district, adding that the slain terrorists were involved in several terror activities against the security forces as well as target killing of civilians.

“On January 11, 2025, nine Khwarij were sent to hell in two separate engagements in North Waziristan District,” ISPR said. During the operation in general area Dosalli, “own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij site and as a result six Khwarij were sent to Hell while two Khwarij were apprehended.”

Another IBO was conducted in the general area of ​​Esham, the ISPR said. “After intense exchange of fire, three Khwarij were neutralized by security forces while two Khwarij were injured. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from slain khwarij,” it added.

According to the ISPR, the terrorists killed in IBOs “remained actively involved in several terrorist activities against the security forces as well as target killing of innocent civilians”. Decontamination operations are underway to “eliminate any other kharji found in the area” as “security forces in Pakistan are determined to wipe out the threat of terrorism from the country”.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for conducting successful IBOs against the terrorists in North Waziristan and expressed their confidence that these counter-terrorism efforts would pave the way for a peaceful and secure future for Pakistan.

In a statement, the President confirmed the government’s decision to completely remove the threat of terrorism from the country. He stressed that the security forces were actively engaged in operations to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and ensure peace and security to the nation.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz hailed officers and jawans of the security forces for the successful operations. He lauded the security forces glowingly and said the war would continue till complete eradication of the demon of terrorism from the country.

“The armed forces stand like an iron wall in defense of the country against terrorists,” he said, adding: “The people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the security forces.” The Prime Minister said the officers and jawans were steadfastly serving the country day and night.

(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)