Nine terrorists killed in Tank, Lakki Marwat intelligence operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed nine terrorists in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) carried out in Tank and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists — described as khawarij belonging to the “Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij”, a term used by the state for operatives of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — were eliminated on December 5.

The first operation was launched in Tank, acting on reports of militant presence in the area.
“During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, seven terrorists were sent to hell,” the ISPR statement said.

In a separate operation in Lakki Marwat, security forces neutralised two more militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain individuals, who, according to ISPR, were “actively involved in terrorist attacks on security forces, law enforcement agencies and in target killings of innocent civilians”.

The military added that sanitisation operations were underway to clear the surrounding areas of any remaining militants.

ISPR said the counterterrorism drive under the Azm-i-Istehkam vision would continue “at full pace” to eradicate “foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism” from the country.

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National leadership praises security forces

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their “big gains” under Azm-i-Istehkam.
“The nation stands with security forces against terrorism. We are determined to root out terrorism from the country,” he said, according to state broadcaster PTV.

President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the “courage and timely action” of the troops in thwarting terrorist plots, reiterating that the national resolve to eliminate militancy remained firm.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, meanwhile, applauded the “remarkable efficiency” of security forces, saying their swift action had “thwarted major threats” and demonstrated exceptional professionalism.

Pakistan has seen a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the TTP’s decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Earlier this week, security forces killed seven terrorists in two separate operations in North Waziristan.