Security forces killed 19 militants in three separate operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on September 9 and 10, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
"On September 9-10, nineteen Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell in three separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province," read the statement.
"Fitna al-Khwarij" is the state's term for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Later, it labelled Balochistan-based terror organisations as "Fitna-al-Hindustan" to underscore its claim of India’s involvement in terrorism and destabilising activities within Pakistan.
Read: Locals in Balochistan helping identify terrorists: DG ISPR
Security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in the Guluno area of Mohmand district allegedly after reports of militant presence. Fourteen militants were killed during an intense exchange of fire, ISPR said.
A second operation in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel area left four militants dead, while another encounter in Bannu district killed one more, added the statement.
Ammunition and weapons were seized from the deceased suspects, who were involved in multiple attacks in the region, according to ISPR.
Read more: Six soldiers martyred, five terrorists killed in Bannu attack: ISPR
Clearance operations are underway to locate any remaining militants. The military reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate militancy and “wipe out the menace of terrorism” from the country.
President, PM laud efforts
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful counter-terrorism operations in K-P, according to a statement published by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
President Zardari said the courage and professionalism of Pakistan’s soldiers continue to shield the nation from terrorism.
He stressed that the operations demonstrate Pakistan’s resolve to confront and defeat what he called Indian-sponsored militancy, vowing action until every terrorist and facilitator is brought to justice.
Echoing the sentiment, Shehbaz said the fight against terrorism would continue until the threat is eradicated. He noted that army officers and personnel work “day and night” to foil militant plots, adding that the nation stands united behind the armed forces in defence of the homeland.
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