7 more terrorists liquidated in Op Shaban
IN THE LINE OF DUTY: People gather near a vehicle portraying the images of individuals who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Quetta. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and police are continuing their joint anti-terrorism initiative, "Operation Shaban", across the province, security sources said on Saturday.
The security forces are conducting synchronised aerial and ground operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij. In the latest developments, seven more terrorists were neutralised during intense operations in the area.
With these fresh casualties, the total number of terrorists killed so far in Operation Shaban has reached 64. Furthermore, security sources confirmed that an overall total of 102 terrorists have been eliminated since July 5 in Operation Shaban and other synchronised intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan.
This major security offensive was launched in the aftermath of a recent terrorist attack in the Hanawad and Mangi areas of Ziarat district, where several police personnel were martyred by terrorists.
Following the escalation, security has been tightened in and around the provincial capital, Quetta, to maintain the law and order situation.
Security sources reiterated that Operation Shaban will continue across Balochistan until the last remaining terrorist is eliminated.
Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state to refer to terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al-Hindustan is the designation applied by the state to terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
On Friday, security forces significantly tightened the net around terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij as Operation Shaaban entered a decisive phase in the rugged mountainous areas of Balochistan, with ground and aerial operations continuing against terrorist positions.
Earlier this week, Director General, ISPR, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said those attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 42 civilians and security personnel. The attacks prompted security forces to launch extensive ground and aerial operations targeting those responsible and their facilitators.
The national leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday hailed the operation as a major success and praised the performance of the security forces participating in the campaign.
President Zardari paid tribute to the Army, FC and the Balochistan Police for the successful execution of Operation Shaaban. Commending the professionalism of the forces, the president said the operation had once again demonstrated their capability to confront every threat facing the country.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari said inimical elements using proxy groups against Pakistan would not succeed in their designs because the country's national resolve remained stronger than any conspiracy.
The premier also praised the security forces, saying the elimination of terrorists during the ongoing campaign reflected the high level of professionalism displayed by the Pakistan Army, FC and other participating forces.
The ongoing campaign forms part of Pakistan's broader counterterrorism drive, under which authorities have intensified IBOs and strengthened security measures to dismantle terrorist networks and their logistical infrastructure.
Speaking at the National Defence University in Islamabad earlier this week, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said terrorism originating from across Pakistan's borders would be crushed with the full might of the state.