Islamabad: Security forces killed 10 militants, including a ringleader, in two separate operations in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and southwestern Balochistan provinces.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District in KPK, Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. During the operation, two militants were killed, including a ringleader named Dilawar, who was highly wanted by law enforcement agencies due to his involvement in multiple terrorist activities. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militant, who had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces and the killing of civilians.
Moreover, security forces conducted another intelligence-based operation in the Kalat District of Balochistan province, on reported presence of "terrorists". During the conduct of the operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists' location, and after an intense exchange of fire, eight terrorists were killed, the military added.
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as part of a relentless Counter Terrorism campaign by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan. This campaign aims to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, the ISPR concluded.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has commended the security forces on the successful intelligence-based operation against the militants. In a statement, the President lauded the courage and professional competence of the security institutions in defending Pakistan and ensuring the safety of the people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, stated that the security forces are achieving significant success in the fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister emphasized that the entire nation stands with Pakistan's armed forces in the war against terrorism. Sharif expressed his commitment to completely eliminating all forms and manifestations of terrorism from the country. On Tuesday, at least five policemen were killed when a police vehicle came under militant attack in Karak district of KPK. The operations come at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a rise in terror attacks, especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan.