Security forces destroy an explosive-laden vehicle; President Zardari, Naqvi hails quick response of security forces
Four terrorists were killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district after security forces foiled a major terror plot by destroying an “explosive-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack”, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack took place today when terrorists belonging to the “Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij” attempted to attack a security force check post in South Waziristan district.
“The Khwarij attempted to breach the security of the check post, but their nefarious designs were checked and decisively thwarted by the vigilant and resolute response of the security forces,” the statement said.
Read: 12 troops among 15 martyred in tank terror attack
ISPR said security forces successfully engaged the explosive-laden vehicle and destroyed it outside the post perimeter, killing a suicide bomber inside the vehicle. It added that the attack did not cause any damage.
“Security personnel engaged the remaining intruders and forced three khwarij into a nearby area, which were later neutralized in a deliberate clearance operation with precision, without any casualties on the part of the forces,” the statement said, while hailing the soldiers for displaying “unflinching courage and professional excellence” during the operation.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
It further said that a decontamination operation was underway to eliminate any other “Indian sponsored kharji” found in the area.
The military’s media wing said the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full speed to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
Also read: Two government officials were martyred in a terrorist ambush on the government vehicle in Kohat
President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for foiling the terror attack and praised their timely response and professional action.
In a statement, President Zardari praised the forces for defeating what he described as the terrorists’ “malicious designs” through a swift and decisive operation.
“The security forces foiled the nefarious designs of terrorists through timely and decisive action,” the President said.
He said security forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing their anti-terrorism operations with full resolve and determination.
“Terrorists and their facilitators will be defeated under any circumstances,” he added.
Naqvi also hailed the security forces for foiling the suicide attack attempt.
“The nation is proud of the officers and personnel of Pakistan’s security forces,” the interior minister said.
He said security forces fought terrorism with “unwavering determination and extraordinary spirit” and achieved significant successes.
Read more: Terrorists must not be called by any other name, says Tarar
Terrorist attacks have increased in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in recent years, raising concerns about the security situation in the two provinces. Security forces have conducted operations to counter the threat, targeting terrorist groups.
In the latest incident, at least 15 security personnel and one government official were martyred when terrorists belonging to the “Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij” attacked a joint police checkpost in KP’s Tank district late Thursday night.
The same night, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Kohat Excise Office and a customs official were martyred while another customs official was seriously injured after terrorists ambushed a government vehicle at a joint check post on the Indus Highway in Kohat and set it on fire.
