14 terrorists gunned down in N Waziristan

RAWALPINDI:

At least 14 terroritst affiliated with the Fitna al-Khawarij, a group identified as an Indian proxy, were killed in intellegence-based operations in North Waziristan between June 2 and 3, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted operations in Dhatta Khel area of North Waziristan. "After a fierce exchange of fire, 14 militants affiliated with the Indian-sponsored group were neutralised."

Sanitisation operations are ongoing in the area to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining threats, said the military's media wing.

"Pakistan's armed forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country," the statement added.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating 14 Indian-backed terrorists.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, praised the bravery of the security forces and reiterated that due to their professional expertise, the scourge of terrorism would be uprooted entirely.

President Zardari resolved that the operations against terrorists would continue until their complete elimination, as the valiant security forces were resolute in eradicating Indian-backed terrorists.

He reiterated that the nation's resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country remained unwavering and expressed the country's commitment to eradicate the Fitna al Khawarij.

Calling the terrorists the enemies of the humanity, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that their nefarious designs would be thwarted.

He reiterated that the government and security forces were fully committed to eliminating terrorism from the country.

Earlier, the federal government had officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as 'Fitna al Hindustan', accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.