Security forces kill 24 terrorists in Bannu operations: ISPR

Security forces have killed 24 terrorists belonging to the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) aka Fitna Al-Khwarij during a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Bannu district and adjoining areas following a recent surge in terrorist attacks, including a vehicle-borne suicide bombing, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

“Security forces have initiated extensive joint intelligence-based operations to hunt the perpetrators of these heinous attacks and their support infrastructure,” according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

It said the operations were launched in response to increased terrorist activities targeting law enforcement personnel and civilians in Bannu.

The military stated that the terrorists were affiliated with the “Indian proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij” and said the operations involved extensive coordination between security forces and law enforcement agencies.

The ISPR said fierce exchanges of fire took place during the past 24 hours, resulting in the killing of 24 terrorists.

A cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the slain terrorists, who, according to the military, had been involved in numerous terrorist activities and attacks on innocent civilians.

The military said clearance operations in the area would continue and vowed to bring all those involved in the recent attacks to justice.

It added that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded the security forces and law enforcement agencies for killing 24 terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed Fitna Al-Khwarij during successful intelligence-based operations in Bannu and adjoining areas.

The prime minister said the timely and effective operations against those responsible for recent terrorist attacks, particularly the cowardly assaults targeting police personnel and innocent civilians in Bannu, were commendable, the PM Office stated.

“The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave security forces,” the premier said.

He reiterated that the complete eradication of terrorism and its facilitators remained the government’s top priority.

The prime minister further vowed that the nefarious designs of terrorist elements operating under Indian patronage would be thwarted at all costs and that all those involved in such cowardly attacks would be brought to justice.