One killed, three held as terrorists den busted

Security forces have dismantled a terrorists den near Miranshah in North Waziristan killing one terrorist seeking shelter in a Madrassah and arresting three others in an exchange of heavy fire, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. The terrorists were planning and organising a centre in a Madrassah near Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan Agency.
One terrorist was killed by the security forces, while three others, including a foreign national, were arrested in the operation that took place on Thursday night, an ISPR press release said.
The mastermind and chief of the involved group Amir Hamza along with his four operatives had been arrested by the security forces a day earlier.
The press release said that security forces cordoned off compounds, including the Madrassah, on a tip off by intelligence agencies about the presence of some foreign terrorists. Despite repeated warnings to the inmates holed up in the compound to surrender, the miscreants not only refused to lay down arms, but also resorted to fire.
Local elders and political administration were also involved in the efforts to persuade the miscreants to surrender, but in vain.
Meanwhile, security forces evacuated women and children by risking their lives from the compound before the start of the operation.
Personnel of the security forces broke in and an exchange of fire ensued in which a terrorist identified as Abdul Latif was killed and three other people, including a foreigner, were arrested.
A large quantity of weapons, including rocket launchers, improvised explosive devices, detonators, booby-traps and ammunition, was also recovered from their custody.
The busted group is believed to have been involved in the recent rocket attacks on military installations in the North Waziristan Agency. Further investigations are underway.
Corps Commander Lieutenant General Safdar Hussain, while appreciating the co-operation of elders in the operation, has warned the terrorists to surrender unconditionally.
He said that they would not be allowed to play with the sentiments of the people and use holy places as shield.
War against terrorism would continue till all the terrorists were flushed out from the tribal area, he added.