13 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across K-P, military says

ISPR says terrorists linked to ‘Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij’ killed in five engagements in Bajaur, Bannu, DI Khan

Pakistan’s security forces killed at least 13 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations conducted on March 6-7 across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Sunday.

The operations were part of a “relentless counter terrorism campaign”, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Pakistani authorities use the term Fitna Al Khwarij for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to the ISPR, during an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district, troops effectively engaged a terrorist location and, after an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed.

In two other encounters in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan districts, three terrorists belonging to “Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij” were successfully neutralised, the statement said.

Simultaneously, in two separate engagements in Khyber and South Waziristan districts, troops killed five more terrorists.

Read: Two cops among five martyred in K-P blasts

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who the military said had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

The military said the operations were being conducted as Pakistan continues to counter emerging challenges along its border with Afghanistan.

“The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers,” the statement said.

It added that sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any other “Indian sponsored Kharji” found in the area.

The military said the “relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan)” by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace “to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces after 13 terrorists were killed during various operations in K-P.

The president commended the security forces' professional expertise for successfully carrying out operations in Bajaur, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber, and South Waziristan.

Zardari said operations against terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij, who he said were backed by India, were extremely important for maintaining peace in the country.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces.

The interior minister commended the security forces' professional capabilities for conducting successful operations against terrorists.

He said the security forces had once again foiled the “nefarious designs” of Khawarij elements in K-P.

Naqvi said he saluted the security forces for carrying out successful operations against terrorists.

He added that security forces were determined to ensure peace in K-P and that terrorists belonging to Fitna Al-Khawarij would not be allowed to hide anywhere.