RAWALPINDI: Security forces and police have killed eighteen terrorists in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Military’s media wing said Friday security forces have killed 13 terrorists linked to the India-sponsored network Fitna Al Khwarij in two separate intelligence-based operation (IBOs), carried out over the past two days in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Acting on confirmed reports of militant presence, a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) by security forces and law-enforcement agencies was launched in the Paharkhel area of Lakki Marwat district. During the operation, troops engaged the militants’ hideout, and following an intense exchange of fire, 10 terrorists were eliminated.
In a separate IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces killed three more militants after a brief gun battle. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead terrorists, who were involved in multiple attacks on security forces, law-enforcement agencies, and targeted killings of civilians.
The ISPR added that sanitisation operations are underway to clear the area of any remaining militants. It reiterated that the ongoing counterterrorism campaign, Azm-e-Istehkam — approved by the federal apex committee under the National Action Plan — will continue with full force to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Separately, five terrorists were killed in an operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police in Domail area of Bannu on Friday.
Terrorist shot dead two civilians when they took shelter in a house after opening fire on an APC of the CTD. Police said during an intelligence-based operation in Domail Lal Chowk area of Bannu, terrorists opened fire on a CTD APC. The CTD and local police retaliated the fire and killed two terrorists on-the-spot. However, other terrorists took shelter in a nearby house where they martyred two unarmed civilians for offering resistance.
More CTD teams, Bannu Police personnel and security forces reached the spot and, after an eight-hour long encounter, all terrorists were killed.
After the firing stopped, the bodies of five terrorists were found during the search operation, one of whom was identified as Rasool alias Commander Ariana, while the other terrorists are being identified.
Separately, seven members of a peace committee embraced martyrdom when militants opened fire on them in the Havid area of the Bannu district, sources said on Friday.
Sources said unidentified armed militants launched an assault with automatic and heavy weapons late Thursday night on the office of Amn Lashkar head Jaleel in Dara Dariz, located within the jurisdiction of Havid Police Station.
“A gun-battle took place between the militants and the peace committee members, resulting in the deaths of seven people,” said an official.
The peace body members who lost lives in the attack were identified as Usama, Sufyan, Muhammad Niaz, Muhammad Sufyan, Wali, Noman and Master.
Two others, Kamran, son of Islam Khan, and Muhammad, were injured in the attack.
The attackers managed to flee the scene taking advantage of the darkness.
Residents and police reached the spot and shifted the bodies and the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu. The police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the terrorist attack on the Peace Committee office in Bannu.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, the governor extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred.
He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and for patience and strength for the bereaved families.
