Khyber IBOs deal severe blow to TTP, affiliates

Twenty-five terrorists, including a senior militant commander, were killed in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) being carried out against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its two affiliates in the Khyber district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

The media wing of the military said in a statement that the "extensive" IBOs were being carried out in Tirah in Khyber district against the TTP and its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Islam and Jamat-ul-Ahrar, on the basis of "robust intelligence".

"During these daring and highly successful IBOs being conducted since 20 August 2024, security forces have so far successfully neutralized twenty five Khwarij including Kharji ring leader Abuzar @ [alias] Saddam, who have been sent to hell, while eleven Khawarij have been injured," the ISPR said.

However, during the conduct of these operations, four brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat, the ISPR statement said. It added that the IBOs had resulted in "major setbacks" to the terrorists.

"The heavy losses inflicted upon Fitna Al Khwarij in these operations is testament to the valor and commitment of security forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country," the media wing of the military said.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate statements, paid rich tributes to the armed forces of Pakistan for the successful operations against the terrorists in the Khyber district.

They reaffirmed that no compromise would be made on peace and security of the country and that terrorists would not be allowed to spread chaos.

They reiterated their resolve to continue the war against terrorism till the extirpation of the menace from the country.

Zardari said the Pakistani nation would not hesitate in making any sacrifice for the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Pakistani nation stood firm by the armed forces to defeat terrorists, adding that the sacrifices of the armed forces for establishment of peace were unforgettable.