11 terrorists eliminated in two K-P IBOs

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces eliminated 11 Indian proxy terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the North Waziristan and Kurram districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release on Saturday.

According to the ISPR, the IBOs were conducted following reports of the presence of terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Khwarij were killed when troops engaged their locations.

An intelligence-based operation was conducted by the security forces in North Waziristan district. During the operation, the troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location and, after an intense exchange of fire, six Khwarij were killed, the statement said.

Another joint IBO by police and security forces was conducted in Kurram district. In the ensuing exchange of fire, five Khwarij were neutralised, it added. "Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khwarij in the area."

The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian-sponsored Khwarij, who had remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces, law enforcement agencies and in the targeted killing of innocent civilians.

It said a "relentless counter-terrorism campaign" under the vision of 'Azm-e-Istehkam', as approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue "at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country".

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, commended the professional competence of the security personnel and police force for eliminating 11 terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij in the IBOs.

Zardari reiterated that efforts would continue until the complete eradication of Fitna al-Khwarij. "The role of the security forces and law enforcement agencies in protecting the lives and property of the nation is commendable," he said, according to a press release issued by the President Secretariat.

In a separate statement, the prime minister appreciated the professional capabilities and bravery of the security forces for neutralising 11 terrorists. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication from the country.

Shehbaz said Pakistan Armed Forces personnel and the police were fighting day and night against anti-state elements and making immense sacrifices to safeguard the nation. "With our brave and dutiful officers and soldiers, the enemy does not have the courage to cast an evil eye on Pakistan."

He further stated that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the motherland.

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also issued a separate statement, lauding the "professionalism of the security forces and the police" during the IBOs in North Waziristan and Kurram districts. He said timely and effective action by security forces and law enforcement agencies prevented major losses.

The governor appreciated their coordinated efforts and operational skills in dealing with threats to public safety. He emphasised that a zero-tolerance policy would be strictly enforced against elements hostile to the state.

Expressing solidarity with the brave personnel, he said the role of the security forces and police in protecting the lives and property of citizens was highly commendable, and reaffirmed that all departments would continue to work together to ensure lasting peace and stability in K-P.

(With input from APP)