ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt, killing at least 45 militants affiliated with Fitna Al-Khwarij during an operation across the northwestern border district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
The intelligence-based operation was carried out in the Mohmand district when militants attempted to infiltrate Pakistan’s territory, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Some 45 to 50 militants were killed, while several others were injured in the operation, which was based on intelligence reports, the statement said.
The slain militants crossed over from Afghanistan with the intent to carry out attacks inside Pakistan, the statement said.
Earlier, the military targeted hideouts in the North and South Waziristan and Bannu districts in operations conducted between October 13 to 15. Pakistan army troops killed 34 terrorists affiliated with the Indian proxy network Fitna Al-Khwarij, the ISPR said.
In the Spinwam area of North Waziristan, a major intelligence-based operation led to an intense exchange of fire. Resultantly, 18 terrorists were killed.
In a separate operation in South Waziristan, eight more militants were killed, while another eight were neutralized in another encounter in Bannu district.
PM Sharif hails forces’ successful counterterrorism operations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the professionalism and bravery of the troops in thwarting the nefarious designs of these militants, his office said.
The premier affirmed that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the people of Pakistan and uphold national security. He reiterated that the counterterrorism campaign will continue with full momentum until the complete eradication of terrorism from the country.
“The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism from our soil,” he added.
President Zardari pays tribute to armed forces
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has paid rich tribute to the Armed Forces and security agencies of Pakistan for their successful operations against terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in North, South Waziristan, and Bannu, said a press release issued by the President's Secretariat on Thursday.
The president said that these operations are a matter of pride for the nation and reflect the professionalism, courage, and determination of Pakistan’s security forces.
He noted that the timely and effective actions of the security agencies have frustrated India-backed terrorists and significantly improved the overall peace and stability situation in the country.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, Zardari stated that operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign will continue with full force to their logical end as the security forces defeat terrorists and the nation defeats terrorism.
He emphasised that Pakistan will root out the India-backed fitna-e-khawarij and fitna-e-Hindustan and will not rest until the menace of terrorism is fully defeated.
The president further said that the entire nation stands firmly behind its Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies in their mission to safeguard the homeland and uphold peace, the press release said.
