Security forces killed three terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.
According to sources, a large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists. The sources also added that security forces precisely destroyed the hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij in Mir Ali and surrounding areas.
Fitna al–Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
They also foiled an attempt by the terrorists to intercept a truck carrying rations near Mir Ali Bazaar, the sources added.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended security forces for their successful operation in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.
In separate statements, they said the professionalism and courage of the security forces in the war against terrorism were a source of pride.
The president said operations against terrorism would continue to ensure peace in the country and protect the lives and property of the people. He also said the nefarious designs of terrorist elements operating with foreign support would be foiled at all costs.
The prime minister said operations by security forces would continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from the country. He also added that eliminating the menace of terrorism from Pakistan was the government’s top priority.
The entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces, he added.
A day earlier, Security forces continued operations against terrorists in K-P and Balochistan, killing seven terrorists in separate IBOs, security sources said.
Five terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij 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.
Read: 49 terrorists killed in Balochistan, K-P IBOs
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.
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.
Read more: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P’s Hangu
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.
