As many as nine terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Tank and Lakki Marwat districts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Saturday.
According to a statement by the military’s media wing, the terrorists belonged to Indian proxy Fitna Al Khawarij, a term used by the state for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
ISPR said the first operation was conducted in Tank after reports of terrorists’ presence. Security forces engaged the location and after an intense exchange of fire, seven terrorists were killed. In a separate operation in Lakki Marwat, two more were neutralised.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the eliminated militants.
ISPR further stated that the killed terrorists had been involved in attacks against security forces, law enforcement agencies and in target killings of civilians.
Sanitisation operations are continuing to clear the area of any remaining threats, it said, adding that the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam will proceed at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the courage and timely action of the forces in thwarting terrorist plans. He said the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism would remain intact until the menace was ended.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces, saying they were making significant gains in the war on terror. “The nation stands with security forces against terrorism. We are determined to root out terrorism from the country,” he said in a statement.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the operations, noting that the militants were neutralised with efficiency. He highlighted the professionalism and bravery of the soldiers, adding that the timely actions had prevented major threats.
“Security forces remain fully determined to restore and maintain lasting peace in KP,” Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted him as saying.