Security forces kill nine terrorists in North Waziristan operation: state media

Security forces killed nine terrorists, including four key commanders belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday, citing security sources.

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

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists, the sources added.

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

In a statement, the president said every conspiracy by foreign-backed terrorists and their local facilitators would be foiled. He said operations against Fitna al-Khawarij under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.

The prime minister said successful operations by the security forces against Fitna al-Khawarij reflected Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to completely eliminate terrorism.

He said the officers and personnel of the security forces were rendering commendable services towards eliminating terrorism and establishing lasting peace in the country.

He said the government would not allow terrorists to spread unrest in the country or succeed in their sordid designs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in North Waziristan. “Indiscriminate operations against terrorists under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision are ongoing and will continue,” he said.

The interior minister praised the resolve of the security forces for killing nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, including four commanders. “The fight against terrorism in the country will continue until all elements of Fitna al-Khawarij are completely eliminated,” Naqvi added.

The interior minister commended the professional capabilities of the security forces for their successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists. “The entire nation stands with its brave security forces in the fight to eliminate terrorism,” he said.

The latest operations came amid continued security operations against terrorist groups in the country. Security forces on Wednesday killed 18 terrorists in separate operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to state media reports citing security sources. Thirteen Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in North Waziristan, while five Fitna al-Hindustan terrorists were killed in Mastung, Balochistan.

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.

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

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.

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.