Dera Ismail Khan: At least nine militants, including a ring leader, were killed by security forces in an operation in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan, said military on Monday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Pakistan military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that an intelligence-based operation was conducted by security forces in the Takwara area of Dera Ismail Khan district in KPK, following reported presence of militants. During the operation, Pakistan military troops engaged the militants' location, resulting in an intense exchange of fire. The encounter led to the killing of nine militants, including a high-value target, ring leader Shireen. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. The ring leader was wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in numerous terrorist activities, including the targeted killing of innocent civilians and an army officer. The military stated that the operation has avenged these acts and brought the main perpetrator to justice. Currently, a sanitization operation is underway to eliminate any remaining militant presence, as the security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism from the coun try, according to ISPR.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have commended the security forces for their successful operation against terrorists. President Zardari stated that operations will persist until terrorism is completely eradicated and reaffirmed the country's unwavering defense. Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the nation's support for the security forces in the fight against terrorism and expressed the commitment to completely eradicate terrorist elements from Pakistan. This operation follows a recent incident where eight militants attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border were killed by Pakistani security forces in the North Waziristan tribal district of KPK. These security operations coincide with an increase in terror attacks across Pakistan, particularly in the KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan.