Security forces and law enforcement agencies killed 22 terrorists in a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the terrorists belonged to India-sponsored Fitna al Khawarij. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“During conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire and skillful engagements by own forces, twenty-two khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna al Khawarij were sent to hell. Due to cowardice and fear of getting apprehended alive, Khwarij resorted to indiscriminate firing which resulted in martyrdom of a ten-year-old innocent child,” said a press release issued by ISPR.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.
“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifice of our innocent civilians further strengthen our resolve,” the press release said.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for killing 22 terrorists.
In separate statements, both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete elimination from the country.
President Zardari stated that terrorists were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s leadership efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region.
“We will defeat terrorism and continue to play a leading role in maintaining peace in the region and across the world,” the president said.
He also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of a 10-year-old child during the operation and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the child’s martyrdom, which occurred as a result of unprovoked firing by the terrorists.
Strongly condemning the act, the prime minister prayed for strength and patience for the grieving family.
“The cowardly terrorists’ unprovoked firing, carried out in an attempt to save themselves, which resulted in the martyrdom of a child, is an irreparable crime against humanity,” he added.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneOur CorrespondentRead More