Security forces have killed 24 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district and its adjoining areas over the last 24 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
In a statement, the military’s media wing noted the recent surge in terrorism targeting police, as well as a vehicle borne suicide bombing in Bannu that had targeted law enforcement agencies and innocent civilians.
Attributing the terrorism to “Indian Proxy Fitna al-Khwarij”—the state’s term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan—it said security forces had initiated extensive joint intelligence-based operations to hunt the perpetrators of these heinous attacks and their support infrastructure.
“Accordingly in last 24 hours following fierce fire exchanges in Bannu district and adjoining areas, 24 khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij have been sent to hell,” it said, adding weapons and ammunition had been recovered from the slain terrorists, who it said were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and killing of innocent civilians.
“The operations in the area would continue and perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly act will be brought to justice” in accordance with the Counter Terrorism campaign launched under Vision Azm-e-Istehkam, it said. Joint operations of security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, it added.
President Asif Ali Zardari has lauded the security forces for the “successful operations,” according to a statement issued by the Presidency. “Killing 24 terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij shows security forces’ professional expertise, resolve and sacrifices,” he added.
He vowed operations against “Fitna-al-Khawarij, who are operating under India’s patronage, and their facilitators will be brought to their logical conclusion.” Anyone who targets innocent civilians and law enforcement agencies deserves no leniency, he said, adding the nation was standing with the security forces and law enforcement agencies.
In a separate statement, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended security forces over the operations. “Security forces’ operations for the establishment of peace in KP are praiseworthy,” he said, adding intelligence-based operations were “indispensable” for peace and stability. Security forces’ personnel are “our true heroes,” he stressed.
“The entire nation takes pride in brave soldiers who kill India-sponsored terrorists. The success of the Bannu operation is a resounding testament to the resolve to rid the homeland of the scourge of terrorism,” he added.