DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kulachi Tehsil, resulting in the elimination of more than 10 terrorists, including a senior leader of Fitna al-Khawarij and several Afghan militants, security sources confirmed on Monday.
The operation, carried out on Sunday and described by officials as a major success, also left four terrorists injured. Those neutralised included Abu Zakawan’s former deputy Alam Mehsud, Sari, son of Gul Nawaz, Sajid, son of Majeed, and Tariq, son of Hakeem.
Security sources confirmed that four of the killed terrorists were Afghan nationals. During the IBO, authorities recovered a large cache of explosives, suicide jackets, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and weapons, highlighting the group’s capacity for large-scale attacks.
Alam Mehsud, one of the key terrorist leaders, was identified as the mastermind behind multiple high-profile attacks, including the 2008 assault on Nawaz Kot post, the 2010 attack on Bannu jail, and a 2014 attack on an army post.
Local elders expressed satisfaction over the security forces’ decisive action, commending them for restoring peace in the area and dismantling the extremist network. Officials emphasised that operations under the National Action Plan(NAP) would continue until the last terrorist is neutralised.
In a separate development, shocking revelations emerged regarding the operational methods of Fitna al-Khawarij. A video confession aired on state broadcaster PTV News, later picked up by private channels, showed a foreign militant, Ehsanullah of the Mehsud tribe, describing the group’s activities.
Ehsanullah disclosed that he had supported commanders Badri, Mushtaq, Grenade, and Islamuddin for three years. He claimed that the group deliberately manipulated youth to carry out attacks, including assaults on police stations and the use of armoured vehicles, under the guise of religion.
Fitna al-Khawarij, according to the state broadcaster, refers to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Ehsanullah said several commanders exploited young recruits for personal gains, promoted immoral conduct, and misrepresented the Pakistan Army.
He admitted that he personally learned prayers and the Kalima during his time with the group and appealed to young people to support the Pakistan Army in its fight against terrorism. “The actions of Fitna al-Khawarij have caused widespread destruction,” he said.
