10 Indian-sponsored terrorists killed, six soldiers martyred in KP operations

RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Ten terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in multiple engagements with security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 15 and 17, while six soldiers embraced martyrdom after an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a security forces convoy, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

According to the military media wing, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan District following reports about the presence of militants in the area.

During the operation, troops effectively engaged the militants’ location, and after an intense exchange of fire, six Khawarij were killed.

In a separate encounter in Hangu District, security forces successfully neutralised four more militants, taking the total number of Khawarij killed during the three-day period to 10.

The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants, who had remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

However, on September 17, six soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice when an improvised explosive device exploded on a security forces convoy.

The military’s media wing said sanitisation operations were being conducted in the area to eliminate any other militants who might be present. It said security forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

The ISPR reiterated that the campaign would continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the statement said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid rich tribute to the security forces for their successful operations against Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khwarij in Hangu and North Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the elimination of 10 Khwarij.

The president and the prime minister, in their separately issued statements, praised the bravery and professionalism of the security forces while honoring the six security personnel who embraced martyrdom during the said operations.

They prayed for elevation of the rank of the martyred soldiers in paradise and expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.

Commending the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces, President Zardari said, “The great sacrifices of the martyrs further strengthen the resolve and morale of the nation. The brave soldiers of Pakistan are sacrificing their lives for the defense and peace of the motherland.”

He said that the sacrifices of the security forces in the war against terrorism were unforgettable.

Paying tribute to the martyred soldiers, Prime Minister Shehbaz said, “Our brave sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives for the defense, peace, and security of the beloved motherland are heroes of the entire nation. The great sacrifices of the martyrs are a guiding light for the nation, and their sacrifices will not go in vain.”

He reiterated that under Azm-e-Istehkam, operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies for the complete eradication of terrorism would continue with full force.