ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed at least seven terrorists, including high-value targets, in four different operations conducted in north western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan provinces, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
The ISPR stated that an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Awaran District of Balochistan on the reported presence of terrorists. During the operation, after an intense exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed.
The terrorists, identified as Niaz alias Ghuman and Zareef alias Shah Jahan, were high-value targets.
In another operation in Dera Bugti District, Pakistani forces effectively neutralized one terrorist.
The ISPR added that another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Kech District, where security forces killed one more terrorist.
All three terrorists were involved in numerous attacks against security forces and innocent civilians, and were highly wanted by law enforcement agencies.
Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to thwart attempts to sabotage the peace, stability, and progress of Balochistan.
In a separate statement, the ISPR reported that security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in north western Bannu District following reports of the presence of “khwarij” (the term used by the government for terrorists).
During the operation, Pakistani troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, resulting in the deaths of three khwarij and injuries to two others. The terrorists were actively involved in numerous attacks against security forces and the targeted killing of innocent civilians, the statement said.
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Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the possession of the killed khwarij.
A sanitization operation is currently underway to eliminate any other khwarij in the area, as Pakistan’s security forces are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.
The operation in Bannu comes days after terrorists gun and suicide attack on a military outpost in Mali Khel area of the district in which 12 troops were martyred.
Security forces in the ensuing gunfight killed six terrorists and effectively blocked their attempt to enter the post, said the ISPR in a statement.
On Tuesday last, Pakistan decided to launch a comprehensive military operation against terrorist groups in the country’s southwestern Balochistan province.
The decision was taken at the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP)—comprising top civil and military leadership—chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting reviewed the law and order situation, particularly in Balochistan, which has witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks by outlawed terrorist groups.
