Says only intelligence-based operations under way as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts
KARACHI:
A security official on Friday denied reports of a large-scale military operation in the Tirah region as “propaganda”, saying only intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were under way as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Briefing media representatives in Karachi on Friday, a security official said there had been no major military offensive in Tirah, rejecting what they described as “false and baseless propaganda” suggesting otherwise.
“Over the past three years, only intelligence-based operations have been conducted against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan,” the security official said, adding that IBOs remained the most effective method for countering terrorism.
The official said actions against terrorists were being carried out strictly on the basis of intelligence inputs and would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist.
They also denied any increase in troop deployments in Tirah, saying no new checkpoints were established and that there were no restrictions on movement into or out of the area. They further added that current weather conditions were not suitable for launching any large-scale military operation.
“The nexus between terrorists and criminal elements has been exposed,” the official said, adding that no narrative could weaken the relationship between the armed forces and the public. They added that all decisions in tribal areas were taken in consultation with local elders and tribal communities, with due consideration given to local conditions and traditions.
Referring to Balochistan, the security official said Fitna al-Hindustan groups were enemies of public welfare and development, adding that the people of the province had recognised militants who exploit grievances and claims of deprivation to justify acts of terrorism.
The briefing concluded with the official reiterating their commitment to counterterrorism operations while maintaining cooperation with local communities.
Also Read: PHC told neither federal nor K-P govt authorised Tirah operation
Friction between the federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governments over the Tirah Valley situation has continued unabated as the former maintains that no operation is being carried out while Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sticks by his claims. The federal government maintains that only small-scale, intelligence-based operations against militants are under way and that no mass evacuation is required. The provincial government has rejected this claim.
Thousands of families remain displaced from Tirah Valley in Khyber district as the K-P government oversees their relocation amid worsening security and heavy snowfall. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the evacuation began on January 10. So far, 11,400 families have been registered, with more than 10,000 relocated to safer areas, including Bara and Peshawar.
