TTP suffers heavy blow as forces foil sneak-in attempt

Security forces killed 54 terrorists, belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while they were trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, during a "precise" operation in the North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the military said on Sunday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement that the number of the dead terrorists was the highest ever killed by the security forces in a single engagement during the entire campaign against terrorism.

It said that intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists were infiltrating at behest of their "foreign masters" for high-profile terrorist activities in Pakistan. "The security forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance and preparedness and prevented a potential catastrophe," the ISPR said.

"On night 25/26 and 26/27 April 2025, movement of a large group of khwarij, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by the security forces in general area Hassan Khel, North Waziristan District," the statement said, referring to TTP terrorists.

"Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. As a result of precise and skilful engagement, all fifty-four khawarij have been sent to hell. A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed Khawarij," it added.

"Such actions by Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), at a time when India is levelling baseless accusations against Pakistan, clearly implies on whose cues FAK is operating. Such actions amount to treason and betrayal against the state and its citizens," the ISPR said.

A recent meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) had underscored the fact that distracting Pakistan's security forces from their focus on the war against terror seemed to be the strategic intent of India to allow a breathing space to FAK which was reeling from the onslaught of "our Armed Forces resolute offensive against them", the ISPR emphasised.

"The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation's frontiers and to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Such bold and decisive actions further strengthen our collective resolve and underscore that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism, while achieving significant successes against terrorists."

Meanwhile, security forces dealt another severe blow to the TTP, as they killed the son of key TTP leader along with his two bodyguards, while they were trying to enter Pakistan's Bajaur district from the Afghan province of Kunar via the Ghachi Pass.

According to an Express News report, Farid, son of TTP leader Faqir Muhammad Bajauri, and his bodyguards, were killed during a major operation in Bajaur on Sunday morning. Bajauri was stated to the head of the TTP's political commission and a former deputy commander.

The report said that Farid's death was a major setback for the terrorist outfit, because he was the son of an influential and important figure within the organisation and had been playing an active role in the organisational matters.

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for foiling the intrusion from Afghanistan and paid rich tribute to them for eliminating all the 54 terrorists during the timely operation.

Zardari commended the bravery of security forces, saying that "the brave security forces of Pakistan are always ready to safeguard the borders of the country". He termed the operation "a big success". He expressed determination to protect the borders eradicate terrorism.

In a separate statement, the prime minister commended the security personnel for their outstanding professionalism and timely response, which thwarted the terrorists' plans. "The security forces have once again demonstrated excellent professional skills by intercepting the terrorists in a timely manner."

Highlighting the nation's resolve against terrorism, Shehbaz asserted that the entire nation stood firmly alongside the security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, and reaffirmed that Pakistan's security forces remained steadfast in their commitment to defend the country's borders.

"These successful operations clearly indicate that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism and achieving significant victories against the terrorists," he said, adding that the government was determined to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.

Meanwhile, talking to the media persons in Lahore, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the Pakistan Armed Forces were fully prepared to defend the motherland in the face of any misadventure.

Naqvi appreciated the successful operation of the security forces in the North Waziristan district, saying that any attempt of infiltration into Pakistan would be responded in a similar robust manner. He warned that any misadventure by India would also be met with strong and befitting response.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)