Security forces foiled a militant attempt to infiltrate into Pakistan along the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan, killing at least 54 terrorists, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces had identified the movement of a group of militants trying to infiltrate through the Pak-Afghan border in the general area of Hassan Khel, North Waziristan, on the two nights between April 25, 26 and 27. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, all 54 khawarij have been sent to hell,” it said, utilizing the term employed by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The ISPR said security forces had also recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the slain terrorists. “Intelligence reports indicate that this group of khawarij was specifically infiltrating on behest of their ‘foreign masters’ to undertake high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” it alleged, adding such actions coinciding with India’s levelling of “baseless accusations” against Pakistan implied the handlers involved.
“Such actions amount to treason and betrayal against the state and its citizens,” it said, adding that the attempt to distract Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror appeared a strategic intent of India to allow breathing space for terrorists.
“The security forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance and preparedness and prevented a potential catastrophe,” it added.
According to the statement, this was highest-ever number of terrorists killed by security forces in a single engagement during the entire campaign against terrorism. “Security forces remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate the menace of terrorism,” it said, adding such bold and decisive actions further strengthened collective resolve and underscored that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism.
Praise for soldiers
In separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces for foiling the intrusion from Afghanistan. In his remarks, the president commended the bravery of security forces. “The brave security forces of Pakistan are always ready to safeguard the borders of the country,” he said, describing the operation as “a big success.”
The prime minister, meanwhile, commended security personnel for their outstanding professionalism and timely response in thwarting the terrorists’ plans.
Highlighting the nation’s resolve against terrorism, Sharif asserted that the entire nation stood firmly alongside security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, and reaffirmed that the country’s forces were steadfast in their commitment to defend the country’s borders.
“These successful operations clearly indicate that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism and achieving significant victories against the terrorists,” he said, adding the government was determined to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.
Similarly, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told journalists in Lahore that the armed forces were fully prepared to defend the motherland against any misadventure. Appreciating the successful operation in North Waziristan, he said any attempt to infiltrate into Pakistan would receive a similarly robust response. He warned any misadventure by India would also meet a strong and befitting response.