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RAWALPINDI:
Security forces eliminated 11 Indian proxy terrorists in two separate Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) in North Waziristan and Kurram districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release on Saturday.
According to ISPR, the IBOs were carried out following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Khwarij was killed when troops engaged their localities.
An intelligence-based operation was carried out by the security forces in North Waziristan district. During the operation, the troops effectively engaged the Khwarij locality and after an intense exchange of fire, six Khwarij were killed, the statement said.
Another joint IBO of police and security forces was conducted in Kurram district. In the ensuing exchange of fire, five Khwarij were neutralized, it added. “Remediation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Khwarij in the area.”
The ISPR said arms and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian-sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in several terrorist activities against the security forces, law enforcement agencies and in targeted killing of innocent civilians.
It said a “relentless anti-terror campaign” under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, as endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue “in full swing to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the professional competence of the security personnel and police force for eliminating 11 terrorists from Fitna al-Khwarij in the IBOs.
Zardari reiterated that efforts would continue until the complete eradication of Fitna al-Khwarij. “The role of the security forces and law enforcement agencies in protecting the lives and property of the nation is commendable,” he said, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Secretariat.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister appreciated the professional capacity and bravery of the security forces for neutralizing 11 terrorists. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication from the country.
Shehbaz said Pakistan armed forces and police were fighting day and night against anti-government elements and making huge sacrifices to protect the nation. “With our brave and dutiful officers and soldiers, the enemy does not have the courage to cast an evil eye on Pakistan.”
He further stated that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the motherland.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also issued a separate statement praising the “professionalism of the security forces and police” under the IBOs in North Waziristan and Kurram districts. He said timely and effective action by security forces and law enforcement agencies prevented heavy casualties.
The governor appreciated their coordinated efforts and operational skills in dealing with threats to public security. He stressed that a zero tolerance policy would be strictly enforced against elements hostile to the state.
Expressing solidarity with the brave personnel, he said that the role of the security forces and police in protecting the lives and property of citizens was highly commendable and reaffirmed that all departments will continue to work together to ensure lasting peace and stability in KP.
(With input from APP)
