Eight terrorists killed in Kalat, 2 in DI Khan; weapons recovered from dead terrorists
RAWALPINDI:
Ten terrorists – including a high-value target (HVT) – were killed in separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Balochistan’s Kalat and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan districts, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
Two Khawarij were killed in an IBO in DI Khan’s Kulachi area, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Fitna al-khawarji refers to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Afghanistan-based umbrella of terrorist groups.
“During the conduct of [the] operation, own troops engaged the khawarij location. Resultantly, two khawarij, including kharji ringleader Dilawar, were sent to hell,” the statement read.
Dilawar was wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in terrorist activities, and the government had announced a Rs4 million bounty on his head, the ISPR said, adding that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead terrorists.
Meanwhile, security forces conducted another IBO in Kalat district on December 24 (Wednesday) on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan, which refers to Baloch separatist terrorist groups.
During the conduct of the operation, own forces engaged the terrorists’ location and eight Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell, said another ISPR statement. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.
Further security operations are being conducted in the areas.
President, PM laud forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the security forces for successfully carrying out operations against terrorists, terming them a strong message to enemies of peace and stability.
In a statement issued by the presidency, Zardari said the elimination of terrorists demonstrated the resolve of Pakistan’s security institutions to safeguard the country and protect its people.
He praised the exceptional bravery and professional capabilities of the security forces, stating that their sacrifices and vigilance were central to the defence of national security and public safety.
The president said such successful operations reflected the determination of the state to foil the designs of hostile elements seeking to undermine peace in the country. He reiterated the nation’s full confidence in the armed forces and security agencies in their fight against terrorism.
In a separate statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for their successful operations against terrorists.
The prime minister emphasised that the sacrifices of security personnel would not go in vain and that the government remained fully committed to ensuring lasting peace, security and stability across Pakistan.
