By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed 25 militants and wounded 11 others in a week-long intelligence-based operation in Khyber district, targeting Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, the military said on Tuesday.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the operations, launched on August 20, targeted the Fitna al Khawarij (TTP) and its affiliates, Laskar-e-Islam and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
“During these daring and highly successful IBOs being conducted since 20 August 2024, security forces have so far successfully neutralized twenty-five Khwarij, including Kharji ring leader Abuzar alias Saddam, who has been sent to hell, while eleven Khawrij have been injured,” the ISPR statement said.
“However, during the conduct of operations, four brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).”
The statement said the heavy losses inflicted on militants reflected the valor and commitment of the security forces to eliminate the militant violence from the country.
The military statement came a day after a wave of separatist violence swept through southwestern Balochistan, killing over 50 people in coordinated attacks.
The government has pledged to crack down on armed groups targeting civilians and security forces, as the military presses on with operations to maintain security in the restive western provinces.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces for a successful operation against the Fitna al Khawarij, vowing to continue action until terrorism is completely eradicated from Pakistan.
“Security forces showed great courage and sent the terrorists to hell,” Zardari said, paying tribute to soldiers who died during the operation. “We will not compromise on peace and order, nor hesitate to make sacrifices for the motherland’s protection.”
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