54 Khawarij killed by security forces along Pak-Afghan border: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed at least 54 Khawarij after they attempted to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces detected and thwarted the infiltration attempt in the Hasan Khel area of North Waziristan between the night of April 25 and 26.

All 54 terrorists were killed during the ensuing operation, the ISPR added.

A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the Khawarij, the ISPR said.

“Intelligence reports indicate that this group of Khawarij was specifically infiltrating at behest of their “foreign masters” to undertake high profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Such actions by Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), at a time when India is levelling baseless accusations against Pakistan, clearly imply on whose cues FAK is operating. Such actions amount to treason and betrayal against the state and its citizens,” the ISPR said.

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The recent National Security Committee also underscored the fact that distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror seems to be the strategic intent of India to allow a breathing space to FAK which is reeling from the onslaught of our Armed Forces resolute offensive against them, it said. 

The security forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance and preparedness and prevented a potential catastrophe.

This is the highest ever number of Khawarij killed by the security forces in a single engagement during the entire campaign against terrorism.

“The security forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate the menace of terrorism. Such bold and decisive actions further strengthen our collective resolve and underscore that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism while achieving significant successes against terrorists,” the ISPR said.