14 TTP terrorists neutralised in K-P operations

Security forces and police on Saturday killed 14 terrorists, belonging to outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and arrested eight others in two different operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). During these encounters, two policemen and a security forces personnel also sustained injuries.

According to an official statement, the K-P Police and security forces conducted a joint operation in Hangu district after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Zargari Shanawar area.

A fierce exchange of gunfire took place, during which police and security forces eliminated nine terrorists. Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Khalid Khan, Doaba SHO Nabi Khan and one security forces' personnel also received bullet wounds.

The DPO was reported to be in stable condition. He was initially moved to Kohat and is expected to be airlifted to Peshawar.

Separately, Security forces conduct a coordinated operation in the Mazari Baba area of Malakand district, and killed at least five terrorists, according to initial reports. Two terrorists got injured while eight members of the TTP, also called Fitna al-Khawarij, were also rounded up.

The forces acted promptly after receiving tip-off regarding infiltration of the terrorists from neighboring Afghanistan and cordoned off the area, leading to intense engagement. The operation continued till the filing of the report, However, the situation in the area was under control.

In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for effectively engaging and neutralizing the Fitna Al-Hindustan terrorists. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured DPO and SHO.

Zardari said terrorists wanted to sabotage peace and stability which could not be allowed, adding the nation was united and the scourge of terrorism would be defeated at all costs. He further reiterated the resolve that the state would continue its efforts with full force to root out terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the police forces for killing nine Khawarij in the security operation in Hangu. He prayed for the speedy recovery of DPO Khan.

K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lauded Hangu DPO and his team for a successful counter-terrorism operation, stating that he "salutes Khan and his team for their bravery."

Gandapur noted that DPO Khan personally confronted the terrorists on the frontline and, along with his team, foiled the militants' designs with exceptional courage and determination. "We are proud of such brave and fearless police officers and personnel," he said.

He added that the history of the K-P Police is filled with stories of valour and sacrifice, and reaffirmed that the entire nation stands with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed contacted the officers injured in Hangu operation to inquire after their health. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also telephoned DPO Muhammad Khalid Khan, inquired about his condition and commended his bravery and leadership.

"Under your command, the police team displayed immense courage and eliminated five terrorists of Fitna [al-Khawarij]," he said. He lauded the entire Hangu police team for their successful operation and described their action as a significant blow to terrorism.