By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The security forces killed 12 terrorists linked to alleged Indian-backed militant groups in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over the weekend, the military said on Monday.
Two soldiers were martyred in the fierce exchanges, underscoring the heavy toll of Pakistan’s ongoing fight against insurgency.
The operations, detailed by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), targeted members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Front in Balochistan.
The ISPR described the terrorists as “Indian proxies,” accusing New Delhi of sponsoring attacks to destabilize Pakistan—a charge that has fueled escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
“On 17-18 May 2024, nine Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna Al Khwarij, were sent to hell in multiple engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“An intelligence based operation (IBO) was conducted by the Security Forces in Lakki Marwat District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly, five Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.”
In the North Waziristan district, Pakistani Taliban militants ambushed a security forces convoy in which two militants were killed and two soldiers were martyred.
“However, during the intense fire exchange, two brave sons of soil, Sepoy Farhad Ali Turi (age: 29 years, resident of District Kurram) and Lance Naik Sabir Afridi (age: 32 years, resident of District Kohat) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat [martyrdom],” the ISPR said.
Sanitisation sweeps are now underway to root out any remaining threats in the region.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism perpetrated by Indian proxies, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
The military described TTP militants as “Indian-sponsored,” emphasizing its earlier allegations that New Delhi funds and arms militants in Pakistan.
In Balochistan, security forces struck twice. In Awaran district’s Gishkur area, troops engaged terrorists in a firefight, killing Younas, identified as an “Indian-sponsored” operative, and wounding two others.
A separate operation in Turbat City, Kech district, took down Sabr Ullah, a ring leader, and Amjad, alias Bichoo.
“In another engagement in Turbat City, Kech district, security forces successfully neutralised two Indian-sponsored terrorists; terrorist ring leader Sabr Ullah and terrorist Amjad alias Bichoo,” the ISPR said.
The security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the scene, linking the militants to attacks on law enforcement and civilian killings.
“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts by Indian proxies at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.”
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