ISLAMABAD: Four terrorists were killed and four Pakistani soldiers were martyred on Thursday after security forces foiled a major terrorist attack on a military camp in North Waziristan in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack took place on Dec 19 in the general area of Boya, North Waziristan district, when “Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij” attempted to breach the perimeter of a security forces camp.
Islamabad uses the term “Khawarij” for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), invoking a historical label for an extremist sect in early Islam that rejected legitimate authority and declared other Muslims to be apostates.
“In a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij attacked a security forces camp,” the ISPR said.
The military said troops responded swiftly and prevented the attackers from entering the camp.
After failing to penetrate the perimeter, the terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall, causing its collapse and damaging nearby civilian infrastructure, including a mosque.
“This blatant act of barbarism inflicted severe injuries to 15 local civilians including innocent children and women,” the statement said, adding that several homes were also damaged in the explosion.
Security forces engaged the attackers and killed all four terrorists involved in the assault.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision,” the ISPR said.
During the intense exchange of fire, four soldiers embraced martyrdom. They were identified as Havildar Muhammad Waqas, 42, from Kotli district; Naik Khanwaiz, 38, from Mansehra; Sepoy Sufyan Haider, 25, from Vehari; and Sepoy Riffat, 32, from Leyyah.
“Having fought gallantly, these brave sons of soil paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the military said.
The ISPR said the attack was planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan-based Khwarij, contradicting claims by the Afghan interim authorities regarding the absence of militant groups operating from their territory.
Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. “Pakistan reserves the right to hunt these Khwarij down and eliminate their facilitators and affiliates to ensure the safety of its people,” the statement said.
Militant violence has increased in Pakistan’s northwestern regions in recent years, with Islamabad repeatedly stating that groups such as Fitna al Khwarij operate from cross-border sanctuaries and receive foreign support to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
