12 terrorists also killed by forces; Civilian girl dies, seven others injured; Security forces react with precision
Emergency workers respond to a terror attack in Bajaur. Photo: Reuters
RAWALPINDI:
Twelve Indian proxy terrorists were killed while 11 security personnel were martyred when security forces foiled a terror attack on a check post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bajaur district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, a term used for the Indian proxy Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), attempted a dastardly attack on a joint check post of security forces and law enforcement agencies in Bajaur district on Monday.
“The assailants tried to breach the security of the check post, but their nefarious designs were quickly and decisively foiled by the alert and resolute response of Pakistani security forces,” ISPR said in a press release issued here.
“Our valiant troops displayed unflinching courage and professional excellence and engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 khwarij. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall,” it added.
“Due to the blast impact infrastructure at the Check post, 11 brave sons of the earth collapsed, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced the Shahadat. Tragically, civilian residential buildings in the immediate vicinity also suffered severe destruction as a result of the blast, leading to the martyrdom of an innocent woman and young girls of seven and others.”
According to the military’s media wing, clearance operations were carried out to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored kharji found in the area. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to protect our nation at all costs,” it said.
It said that a relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm e Istehkam” (as endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and aided terrorism.
The country’s political leadership, meanwhile, strongly condemned the cowardly terror attack by the Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij and conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred security personnel and a civilian girl, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country’s defense only strengthened Pakistan’s resolve. He stressed that the complete eradication of externally supported terrorism remains a top national priority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the timely response of the armed forces and their major successes against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision and affirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its forces in the fight against extremism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for preventing the terror attack and said the brave troops eliminated 12 terrorists. “The heroic sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten,” he said. “The nation would always honor those who gave their lives.”
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the attack. He described the martyrdom of the security personnel and a young girl as deeply tragic and said rescue agencies had been directed to launch immediate and comprehensive relief operations.
Afridi stressed that such cowardly acts could not weaken the nation’s resolve. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete elimination of terrorism. He said operations against anti-peace elements would be further intensified across the province.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also praised the professionalism and bravery of the security forces, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain.
(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)
