Five terrorists killed in Mir Ali IBO

ISPR says militant commander Rahzaib among dead

RAWALPINDI:

 Security forces eliminated at least five terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mir Ali, North Waziristan district, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

The military's media wing stated that the deceased militants were actively involved in various terrorist activities targeting security forces, along with extortion and targeted civilian killings.

“After an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists, including terrorist commander Rahzaib, who is also known as, ‘Khuray’, were sent to hell," the statement said. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation,” it added.

According to the statement, a sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. “The security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” it added.

Throughout 2023, security forces executed 18,736 IBOs across Pakistan, resulting in the neutralization of 566 terrorists and the arrest of 5,161 others.

While evidence linked recent terrorist incidents to sanctuaries in Afghanistan, effective intelligence operations contributed to the reintegration of key figures into the national mainstream.

Gulzar Imam Shambay and Sarfraz Bangulzai, notable commanders of the banned Baloch National Army, abandoned terrorism, demonstrating potential for rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Operations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), and Sindh intensified, leading to significant results. Balochistan witnessed 15,063 IBOs, resulting in the elimination of 109 terrorists. In K-P, 1,942 operations eliminated 447 terrorists.

Additionally, 14 IBOs took place in G-B, and 1,987 in Sindh, resulting in the elimination of 10 terrorists. Punjab saw 190 operations. However, the fight against terrorism came at a cost, with over 1,000 individuals, including more than 260 army officers and soldiers, sacrificing their lives in terror attacks.

Despite these sacrifices, Pakistan's forces continue efforts to ensure peace, fostering hope for a future marked by stability and prosperity. With unwavering public support, Pakistan remains committed to eliminating terrorism and promoting enduring peace and stability.