ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 22 terrorists belonging to "Fitna al-Khawarij" during an intelligence-based operation in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on Nov. 24 in Bannu district after credible reports of the presence of "Fitna al-Khawarij," Indian-backed terrorists linked to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Security forces engaged the hideout, and following an intense exchange of fire, 22 terrorists were eliminated. A sanitization operation was carried out to ensure no other terrorists remained in the area.
The ISPR reaffirmed that the country’s counterterrorism drive under “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a counter-insurgency operation approved by the Federal Apex Committee for the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace until the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism is completely eradicated.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari paid glowing tribute to the security forces for the successful action. In a statement issued by Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President lauded the “timely and effective response” of the troops, noting that eliminating Indian-sponsored terrorists remains a top priority of the state.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for the swift and decisive action. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, he praised the elimination of the terrorists. He said that under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, Pakistan’s security forces are achieving significant successes in the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister stated that the entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this struggle and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to stamp out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Security forces say operations will continue to ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.
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