Says only intelligence-based operations underway as part of the ongoing fight against terrorism
KARACHI:
A security official on Friday dismissed reports of a large-scale military operation in the Tirah region as “propaganda” and said only intelligence-based operations (IBOs) are underway as part of the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Briefing media representatives in Karachi on Friday, a security official said there has been no major military offensive in Tirah, rejecting what they described as “false and baseless propaganda” suggesting otherwise.
“During the past three years, only intelligence-based operations have been carried out against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan” the security official said, adding that IBOs remain the most effective method of combating terrorism.
The official said that operations against militants are being carried out strictly on the basis of intelligence inputs and will continue till the elimination of the last terrorist.
They also denied any increase in troop deployments in Tirah, saying no new checkpoints have been established and there were no restrictions on movement in or out of the area. They further added that the current weather conditions are not suitable for launching any large-scale military operation.
“The nexus between terrorists and criminal elements has been exposed,” the official said, adding that no narrative could weaken relations between the armed forces and the public. They added that all decisions in tribal areas are taken in consultation with local elders and tribal communities, with due regard to local conditions and traditions.
Referring to Balochistan, the security official said Fitna al-Hindustan groups were enemies of public welfare and development, adding that the people of the province had recognized militants who exploit grievances and allegations of deprivation to justify acts of terror.
The briefing concluded with the official reiterating their commitment to counter-terrorism operations while maintaining cooperation with local communities.
