31 terrorists killed in Lakki Marwat, Bannu IBOs: ISPR

Thirty-one terrorists linked to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij network were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations conducted by Pakistan’s security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on September 13 and 14, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

Read: Security forces kill four terrorists in Mastung IBO: ISPR

According to the military’s media wing, the first operation took place in Lakki Marwat District following reports of militant presence. “Our troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense exchange of fire, fourteen Indian-sponsored militants were neutralized,” the ISPR statement said.

In a separate operation in Bannu District, seventeen more militants were killed during a firefight with security forces. “Sanitization operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored Khwarij in the area,” the statement added, emphasizing that Pakistan’s forces are determined to “wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country.”

These recent operations form part of a wider counter-terrorism campaign in K-P.  Earlier this week, operations in Bajaur, South Waziristan, and Lower Dir districts resulted in the elimination of 45 militants, with 19 soldiers being martyred, according to the ISPR.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were involved in multiple attacks targeting civilians and security personnel.

Read More: 45 terrorists killed, 19 soldiers martyred in K-P IBOs: ISPR

Intelligence reports indicate the physical involvement of Afghan nationals in some of the attacks, prompting Pakistan to urge the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of its soil for terrorist activities.

“The use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists remains a grave concern,” the ISPR noted, underlining the regional dimension of the threat.

The operations, carried out on the basis of intelligence reports, reflect the armed forces’ continued focus on eliminating extremist elements that threaten peace in the region.