ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed 21 terrorists (Khwarij) during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted over the past 72 hours in North Waziristan district on Saturday, according to a statement released by Pakistan military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
According to the statement, security forces engaged multiple terrorists' locations in and around Miran Shah, resulting in fierce exchanges of fire.
The military said the terrorists belonged to Indian sponsored "Fitna-al-Khwarij".
Among those killed were four terrorist ring leaders identified as Kharji Khalid Raza alias Salar, Kharji Muftoon, Kharji Musa and Kharji Imran alias Ayan, thereby, causing a significant blow to the terrorists’ network operating in the area.
Killed terrorist ring leaders were highly wanted for their involvement in numerous terrorist activities including killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians.
So far, in total, 48 terrorists have been killed in these highly skilful and precise operations, said the statement.
Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the Indian-sponsored khwarij who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and killing of innocent civilians, the statement said.
The military said clearance operations were continuing in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining terrorists.
It added that Pakistan's counterterrorism campaign under the "Azm-e-Istehkam" initiative (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan would continue in an effort to combat the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
PM lauds security forces
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating 21 terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij during a security operation conducted in the Miran Shah area and its surrounding localities in North Waziristan, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
"The security forces, through a successful operation, eliminated several terrorists, including four highly wanted Khwarij ringleaders," Sharif said.
"Under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, our brave security forces are achieving major successes in the fight against terrorism," the prime minister added.
"Our war against terrorists will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from the country," the prime minister stated.
