Seven terrorists killed in IBOs

Security forces continued operations against terrorists in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, killing seven terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs), security sources said on Tuesday.

Five terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij - a term used for the terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - were killed during an IBO in the Bara area of Khyber district in K-P. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorists.

In Balochistan's Chagai district, security forces killed two terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan – a term used for Indian proxy terrorists from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and affiliates - during an operation in the Nok Kacha area, the sources said.

They added that the terrorists had set an empty water tanker on fire before attempting to flee the area. However, security forces responded promptly and killed both terrorists. The slain terrorists were also involved in arson attacks at various locations along the N-40 highway.

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful operations in Balochistan and K-P.

In a statement, President Zardari said the forces and law-enforcement agencies had thwarted the terrorists' "nefarious designs" through an effective strategy. He said the entire nation took pride in the courage and bravery of the security forces.

In a separate statement, the premier praised the security personnel for demonstrating "exceptional professionalism and courage" to thwart the malicious designs of terrorists.

He said the entire nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its valiant security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, reiterating that the operations would continue unabated until the complete eradication of terrorism from the country.

He stressed that elements attempting to undermine Pakistan's peace and stability would never be allowed to succeed in their nefarious objectives.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a separate statement that elements attempting to undermine Pakistan's peace and stability would never be allowed to succeed in their nefarious objectives. He saluted the officers and soldiers who participated in these successful operations.

"The entire nation was proud of them," he said, adding that the nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its valiant security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism and reiterating that the operations would continue unabated until the complete eradication of terrorism from the country. (WITH INPUTS FROM APP)