RAWALPINDI (MNN); The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday that security forces eliminated 34 militants during separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the military’s media wing, a series of high-intensity, intelligence-based operations were carried out in recent days targeting what it described as Indian-backed groups, Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan. The term Fitna al Khwarij is used by the state for militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Fitna al Hindustan refers to militant outfits operating in Balochistan.
The statement detailed that on February 24, a total of 26 militants associated with Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in four separate encounters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, eight militants linked to Fitna Al Hindustan were neutralised during an operation in Sambaza, located in Balochistan’s Zhob district.
Providing further details, ISPR said security forces detected the movement of a group attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan. Troops engaged the infiltrators, killing one militant who was later identified as an Afghan national.
An intelligence-based operation was also conducted in Lakki Marwat district, where three militants were killed after an intense exchange of fire. In Bannu’s Narmi Khel area, 10 militants were eliminated, while another 12 were killed in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.
In a separate operation in Sambaza, Zhob district, security personnel killed eight militants after a fierce gun battle. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were said to be involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.
The military reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain steadfast in defending the country’s borders and are continuing clearance operations to eliminate any remaining threats. It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would persist with full-scale efforts to counter terrorism.
In a separate statement, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their successful operations against militants. He said the elimination of the terrorists and the seizure of weapons demonstrated the professionalism of the forces and urged continued action in line with the national vision of Azm-i-Istehkam to eradicate terrorism.
“There must be no slowdown in operations against externally backed terrorists to safeguard national security and protect citizens,” he stated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the armed forces, noting that they were achieving daily successes against militant groups. He reiterated the government’s resolve to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.
Earlier this week, security forces had killed nine militants, including a suicide bomber, during intelligence-based operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
