Eight Indian-sponsored terrorists killed along Pak-Afghan border: ISPR

Security forces have killed eight terrorists belonging to the the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as Indian-sponsored ‘Fitna al-Khwarij’, during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Thursday.

According to the military’s media wing, security forces intercepted a group of terrorists attempting to move along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on April 1. In the ensuing engagement, eight terrorists were killed, and a significant cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered.

The ISPR stated that the incident further substantiates Pakistan’s repeated concerns regarding the “abject failure” of the Afghan interim regime to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

“The Afghan Taliban regime must fulfill its international obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khwarij, and involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan,” the statement read.

A sanitisation operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The military reaffirmed its commitment to the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

The ISPR emphasised that the relentless counter-terrorism campaign by security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

A day ago, the ISPR had said security forces killed 13 terrorists linked to India during two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the ISPR, the first operation was conducted in the Bara area of Khyber district, targeting the reported presence of terrorists. Security forces engaged the terrorists in an intense exchange of fire, killing 10 terrorists.

A second operation in Bannu district resulted in the elimination of three more terrorists.

Since the Afghan Taliban took power in 2021, cross-border terrorist incidents have surged, particularly in KP and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan.

President, PM pay tribute

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operation against Fitna al-Khwarij in North Waziristan.

The president lauded the professional expertise of the security forces for their effective and timely action, which resulted in the killing of eight khwarij.

“The role of the security forces in defending the homeland and protecting our borders is a matter of pride,” President Zardari stated. He further urged the Afghan interim government to ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

In a separate statement, Shehbaz also praised the officers and personnel of the security forces for the successful operation in the Pak-Afghan border area of North Waziristan. The prime minister commended the professional capabilities of the forces for sending eight khwarij to hell during the action.

“The war against the menace of terrorism will continue until its complete elimination from the country,” he affirmed. He added that he, along with the entire nation, stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces of Pakistan in their unwavering resolve against terrorism.