35 terrorists killed, 12 soldiers martyred in K-P IBOs: ISPR

Twelve soldiers were martyred and 35 terrorists linked to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij network were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between September 10 and 13, the military’s media wing reported on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in Bajaur district following reports of terrorist presence. “Own troops effectively engaged the location, and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 militants were killed,” the statement said.

In a separate encounter in South Waziristan district, 13 more terrorists were “neutralised” by security forces. The army confirmed that 12 personnel “fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat (martyrdom).”

Read More: 14 TTP terrorists neutralised in K-P operations

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, who, the military said, had been involved in multiple attacks in the region.

The ISPR added that intelligence reports indicated the physical involvement of Afghan nationals in recent attacks, stressing that “the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists remains a grave concern.”

“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the statement said.

The military said sanitisation operations were under way to eliminate remaining terrorists, vowing that the armed forces were “determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism” and that the sacrifices of soldiers “further strengthen our resolve.”

President, PM pay tribute to martyred soldier

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of 12 soldiers and said their sacrifice would not go in vain. “The blood of our martyrs further strengthens the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism,” he said, urging Kabul to “ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for eliminating 35 terrorists in Bajaur and South Waziristan, while paying tribute to the 12 soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operations.

In a statement, the premier lauded the troops’ bravery, prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, and extended condolences to their families. He said the entire nation saluted the security forces, who continued to stand like a rock in the fight against terrorism, reiterating his government’s resolve to eradicate militancy in all its forms.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces for foiling terrorists’ designs through “timely and professional action.” He saluted the personnel who “brought the Khawarij terrorists to their shameful end” and said the sacrifices of the martyrs were a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering resolve.

CMs of Sindh and Punjab, and Governor K-P commend security forces

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also commended the security forces for their successful operations in South Waziristan, hailing the elimination of 35 terrorists as a major achievement. She paid homage to the 12 soldiers who laid down their lives, saying they had “paid the price of peace with their blood.”

Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Faisal Karim Kundi paid tribute to the bravery of the security forces. He said the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would not be in vain and stressed that the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism was “unshakable.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also lauded the military’s efforts in Bajaur and South Waziristan, calling the elimination of 35 terrorists a “great achievement of the brave armed forces.” He paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last militant was eliminated.