President, PM laud security forces for successful IBOs in Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan
Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) killed 15 terrorists linked to the Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij in two separate operations on November 15 and 16, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
The first operation took place in the Kalachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, based on intelligence about the presence of terrorists. Security forces targeted the terrorists’ hideout, killing 10 terrorists, including the group’s senior commander, Alam Mehsud, ISPR said.
As per the ISPR statement, the second operation was conducted in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, where another five terrorists were killed. Clearance and sanitisation efforts are ongoing in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining operatives.
“Fitna al-Khwarij” is the state’s term for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Later, it labelled Balochistan-based terror organisations as “Fitna-al-Hindustan” to underscore its claim of India’s involvement in terrorism and destabilising activities within Pakistan.
The counter-terrorism campaign, conducted under the strategy “Azm-e-Istehkam” approved by the Federal Apex Committee, will continue with full force by security and law enforcement agencies to eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorist elements.
Read: 34 terrorists killed in multiple K-P operations
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have commended security forces for their successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan.
In a statement, the President said the elimination of foreign-backed terrorists from Pakistan will continue with national consensus. He added that the killing of terrorists, including the group’s leader Alam Mehsud, who were supported by Indian forces, reflects the effectiveness of the security forces’ strategy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the security forces are achieving significant victories in the fight against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands with the armed forces and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces for eliminating 15 Indian-sponsored terrorists in K-P.
In a statement, Naqvi said he pays tribute to the security forces for bringing the terrorists to an “exemplary end” and added that they have once again foiled the evil intentions of Indian-backed terrorist groups.
He said the nation holds the actions of the security forces in high regard for their continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in K-P.
