No large-scale offensive in Tirah, says security official

Says only IBOs under way as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts

KARACHI:

A security official on Friday denied reports of a large-scale military operation in the Tirah area as "propaganda", saying only intelligence-based operations (IBOs) are underway as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

Briefing media representatives in Karachi on Friday, the security official said there has been no major military offensive in Tirah, rejecting what they described as "false and baseless propaganda" suggesting otherwise.

"Over the past three years, only intelligence-based operations have been conducted against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan," the official said, adding that the IBOs remain the most effective method for countering terrorism.

The official said actions against terrorists are being carried out strictly based on intelligence inputs and will continue until the elimination of the last terrorist. The official also denied any increase in troop deployments in Tirah.

No new checkpoints have been established and there were no restrictions on movement into or out of the area, the official stated, adding that the current weather conditions are not suitable for launching any large-scale military operation.

"The nexus between terrorists and criminal elements has been exposed," the official said, adding that no narrative could weaken the relationship between the armed forces and the public. He added that all decisions in tribal areas are taken in consultation with local elders and tribal communities, with due consideration given to local conditions and traditions.

Referring to Balochistan, the official said that Fitna al-Hindustan groups were enemies of public welfare and development, adding that the people of the province had recognised terrorists who exploit grievances and claims of deprivation to justify acts of terrorism.