- Military’s media wing says 22 terrorists were killed in Bajaur, 13 neutralised in South Waziristan and 10 Indian-sponsored khwarij sent to hell in Lower Dir
RAWALPINDI: A total of 19 soldiers were martyred, and 45 terrorists linked to the “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khwarij” were killed in three separate intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between September 10 and 13, the military’s media wing reported on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in Bajaur district following reports of terrorist presence. “Our own troops effectively engaged the location, and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 terrorists were killed,” the statement said.
In a separate encounter in the South Waziristan district, 13 more terrorists were “neutralized” by security forces. The army confirmed that 12 personnel “fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice, and embraced shahadat (martyrdom).”
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from Indian-sponsored killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas,” the statement added.
“Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts. Besides, the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by Fitna al Khawarij terrorists continues to remain a grave point of concern,” the military further noted.
“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” it added.
Pakistan has long maintained that it faces a persistent threat from militant groups operating out of Afghanistan, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which was recently designated by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.
The ISPR asserted, “Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored khwarji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.”
The ISPR later said that seven more soldiers were martyred in an operation in Lower Dir on Thursday when security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Lal Qilla Maidan based on the reported presence of TTP terrorists.
“During the conduct of operation, our own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 10 Indian-sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.”
The ISPR said Naik Abdul Jalil, 39, resident of North Waziristan; Naik Gul Jan, 38, resident of Lakki Marwat; Lance Naik Azmat Ullah, 28, resident of Lakki Marwat; Sepoy Abdul Malik, 28, resident of Khyber; Sepoy Muhammad Amjad, 27, resident of Malakand; Sepoy Muhammad Dawood, 23, resident of Swabi and Sepoy Fazal Qayum, 21, resident of Dera Ismail Khan “fought gallantly” and were martyred while “saving precious lives of innocent civilians, who were made hostage by Indian-sponsored khawrij.”
The ISPR further said, “Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts. Pakistan expects the Interim Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.”
It added that a sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.”
President, PM pay tribute to martyred soldier
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of 12 soldiers and said their sacrifice would not go in vain. “The blood of our martyrs further strengthens the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism,” he said, urging Kabul to “ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for eliminating 35 terrorists in Bajaur and South Waziristan while paying tribute to the 12 soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operations.
In a statement, the premier lauded the troops’ bravery, prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, and extended condolences to their families. He said the entire nation saluted the security forces, who continued to stand like a rock in the fight against terrorism, reiterating his government’s resolve to eradicate militancy in all its forms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces for foiling terrorists’ designs through “timely and professional action.” He saluted the personnel who “brought the Khawarij terrorists to their shameful end” and said the sacrifices of the martyrs were a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering resolve.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also commended the security forces for their successful operations in South Waziristan, hailing the elimination of 35 terrorists as a major achievement. She paid homage to the 12 soldiers who laid down their lives, saying they had “paid the price of peace with their blood.”
Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Faisal Karim Kundi paid tribute to the bravery of the security forces. He said the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would not be in vain and stressed that the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism was “unshakable.”
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also lauded the military’s efforts in Bajaur and South Waziristan, calling the elimination of 35 terrorists a “great achievement of the brave armed forces.” He paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last militant was eliminated.
