President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Naqvi laud security forces, reaffirm resolve to eliminate terrorism
Security forces pictured during a patrol. — FILE PHOTO
Security forces killed seven terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Eidak area, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday, citing security sources.
Sources said security forces pursued the terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij with determination and combat skills and destroyed their hideouts.
Fitna al–Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have praised the security forces for a successful IBO against Fitna al-Khawarij in the Eidak area of North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported.
In a statement, President Zardari said the efforts of the security forces under Azm-e-Istehkam to completely eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace were commendable.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said systematic operations against terrorists reflected the professional expertise of the security forces and the nation’s resolve. He further added that the entire nation was proud of its brave armed forces.
He said the outstanding performance of officers and personnel of the security forces and law enforcement agencies guaranteed the country’s peace and security.
The prime minister said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces to foil the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists. Vigorous operations against all terrorist elements would continue until their complete elimination, he added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists in the Eidak area of North Waziristan. “The brave sons of the soil who sent seven Indian-sponsored terrorists to hell are the nation’s heroes,” Naqvi added.
The interior minister praised the professional capabilities of the security forces for foiling the terrorists’ nefarious designs. “The brave personnel of the security forces are a source of pride for the entire nation,” Naqvi said.
He added that the security forces’ successes in the fight against terrorism were commendable.
Read: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P’s Hangu
On September 29, 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 more: 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.
