Security forces killed 22 terrorists in Bannu IBO

Security forces neutralised 22 Indian-sponsored terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu District as part of their ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision, the military said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the IBO was conducted on November 24 after reports of the presence of Khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.

Read: Eight terrorists killed during Bannu IBO: ISPR

During the operation, troops engaged the suspects, and after an intense exchange of fire, the Khwarij were neutralised.

A sanitisation operation is ongoing to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored Khwarij in the area. The counterterrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari has commended the security forces for their successful intelligence-based operation against Khwarij in Bannu. He praised their timely and effective response in neutralising 22 attackers belonging to the Indian proxy group, Fitna al-Khwarij. The President further acknowledged the commitment of the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision, calling it commendable.

He emphasised that eliminating Indian-backed Khwarij remains the state's foremost priority. President Zardari also paid tribute to the martyrs and warriors, describing them as the pride of the nation, and saluted the courage of the troops who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the operation.

Read more: Five terrorists killed in Khuzdar IBO: ISPR

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his salute to the security forces for neutralising 22 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Bannu. He commended the forces for their successful operation against the terrorists and highlighted their timely response in thwarting the malicious designs of the attackers.

The Minister also praised the ongoing operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, aimed at eliminating the menace of Fitna al-Hindustan, calling them highly commendable.

He assured that with the support of the nation, Pakistan is determined to completely eradicate the unholy presence of Fitna al-Hindustan and will not allow the terrorists and their facilitators to hide anywhere.

The Minister concluded by emphasising that the nation takes immense pride in its brave security forces.