Security forces kill 3 Khawarji terrorists in KP: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces conducted two successful operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), killing three Khawarji terrorists and foiling an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to ISPR, an intelligence-based operation was launched in the Bara area of Khyber district. During the operation, troops targeted a militant hideout, killing two Khawarij identified as Haqyar Afridi, alias Khyberay, and Gulla Jan.

In a separate incident, security forces intercepted a group of militants attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in South Waziristan district. Troops engaged the infiltrators, killing one and injuring three others, effectively thwarting their attempt.

The ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over the use of Afghan territory by militants to launch attacks. “Pakistan has consistently urged the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management and prevent their soil from being used for terrorism against Pakistan,” the statement read.

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President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out successful operations against Khawajri terrorists in KP.

The law and order situation in KP is deteriorating with growing tensions in Kurram district, where a deadly terrorist attack claimed more than 40 lives on Thursday.

The incident occurred when a convoy of at least 200 passenger vans was passing through the Ochat area of Lower Kurram.

According to the KP government, the convoy was escorted by the police; the attackers first targeted the police personnel before opening fire on the convoy from both sides.

The attackers reportedly targeted members of the Shia community, as Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that the convoy belonged to the same community. “Women and children sought refuge in local houses, and we are currently searching for the attackers in the area.”

He also noted that while the region is notorious for sectarian violence, terrorism could not be ruled out in this case, as civilians were also targeted.