Five terrorists killed, two wounded in North Waziristan operation: security sources

Security forces killed five terrorists and wounded two others in a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO) against Fitna al-Khawarij in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday, citing security sources.

According to the sources, the security forces successfully targeted Fitna al-Khawarij hideouts in North Waziristan and surrounding areas, and they had been continuously monitoring the movement of Fitna al-Khawarij before carrying out a decisive operation against the group, the sources added.

Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The security forces remained committed to completely eliminating terrorism and establishing lasting peace under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, the sources said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended security forces for conducting a successful operation in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported.

In his statement, the president said the timely and effective operations by the security forces played an important role in foiling the nefarious designs of terrorist elements.

The prime minister said operations against Fitna al-Khawarij would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism. He said the complete eradication of terrorism and sustainable peace under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision were the government’s top priorities.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity over the past three months, with a series of attacks across the country resulting in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians.

Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.

On September 19, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.

Read: Security forces kill 11 terrorists in separate Balochistan, K-P operations

In a separate incident, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, while eight terrorists were killed.

On September 1, six personnel, including two officers, and a customs department official were martyred as security forces thwarted an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.

In July, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains underway, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.