Islamabad: At least 17 militants, identified as members of "Indian Proxy," were killed during a security operation in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, which borders Afghanistan, according to a statement from the military on Saturday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a press release by Pakistan military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), detailed that security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Lakki Marwat district of KPK following reports of militants' presence linked to "Indian Proxy." During the operation, security forces engaged the militants' location, resulting in the death of 17 "Indian sponsored" militants. ISPR further noted that weapons and ammunition were seized from the militants, who had been involved in various terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. A sanitization operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, as the "Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country."
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, commended the security forces for their actions, praising their professionalism and timely intervention, which thwarted the militants' plans. He affirmed the government's commitment, along with security forces, to eradicate terrorism entirely and expressed hope for its swift eradication. The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of personnel injured during the operation, as stated by the PM Office.
The operation in Lakki Marwat follows a recent security operation on Wednesday in DI Khan district of KPK, where at least 13 militants were killed. These operations come amid an increase in terror attacks in Pakistan, particularly in the KPK and Balochistan provinces, which share a border with Afghanistan.