Seven militants killed in three counterterror operations across KP: ISPR

WEB DESK: Seven Khawarij linked to the India-sponsored proxy network “Fitna-ul-Khawarij” were killed in three separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an IBO in Mohmand after receiving reports of militant presence in the area. Troops “successfully targeted the hideout” and, following an intense exchange of fire, killed four militants.

A second IBO was carried out in Lakki Marwat, where two more militants were killed during a gun battle with security forces. In a separate operation in Tank district, one militant was killed.

ISPR said sanitisation operations are under way in all three areas to eliminate any remaining militants linked to the India-backed network. The military’s media wing added that the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism efforts “at full pace” under the National Action Plan and in line with the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam. “The scourge of foreign-sponsored and foreign-assisted terrorism will be eliminated completely from the country,” the statement said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded the security forces for killing 33 militants in two operations in Kurram, following intelligence reports of militant presence. According to ISPR, 12 militants were eliminated in the first engagement and 23 in a subsequent action after troops targeted their hideouts during intense exchanges of fire. The prime minister praised the professionalism and resolve of the personnel involved, saying their actions had “sent 33 militants to hell.” He reiterated that Pakistan would continue its fight against terrorism until it is completely eradicated, affirming that the nation stands firmly behind its armed forces.