4 terrorists killed in DI Khan, Mohmand IBOs

RAWALPINDI:

Security forces killed four terrorists affiliated with the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's media wing said on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district following reports of terrorist presence.

"After an intense exchange of fire, two khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell," the statement said.

The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The ISPR said security forces also carried out another IBO in Mohmand district.

"In ensuing skilful engagement, two more khwarij were effectively neutralised," it added.

According to the statement, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

"Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as a 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 of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for carrying out the successful IBOs.

The prime minister described the operation as commendable.

He reiterated that operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue until the menace of terrorism was completely eradicated.

"The nation values the sacrifices rendered by its brave armed forces and security institutions," he said.

The prime minister vowed to foil every conspiracy against Pakistan's peace, stability and security, adding that there was no place in the country for terrorist elements and their facilitators.

He said the government and security institutions remained determined to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.