Quetta (Web Desk): Security sources said the total number of terrorists killed during Operation Shaaban has risen to 39 after the security forces killed 13 more militants during the last 24 hours.
According to the sources, 26 militants linked to Fitna al Khwarij were killed during operations carried out on July 6 and 7.
The sources added that security forces are continuing coordinated ground assaults backed by aerial strikes against Fitna al Khwarij in the affected area as the operation remains in progress.
In a separate development, security personnel successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on a police station in the Zehri area of Khuzdar.
The security sources said Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC) troops killed eight terrorists in a swift counter-operation, while another five to six terrorists were eliminated in helicopter gunship operations.
The sources added that since July 5, a total of 79 terrorists have been killed in Operation Shaaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday commended the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police for the successful conduct of Operation Shaaban following the attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari praised the exceptional professionalism displayed by the security forces and law enforcement agencies, saying the success of Operation Shaaban once again reflected their capability to effectively tackle every threat confronting the country.
The president said that hostile forces attempting to destabilise Pakistan through proxy elements would never accomplish their malicious objectives, adding that the nation’s determination remained stronger than any conspiracy.
“Anti-Pakistan elements and inimical institutions of India and some other countries want to tarnish Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements by using some anti-national elements as hired killers and demoralize us. We will take Pakistan’s recent achievements to their logical conclusion and defeat terrorism with the help of the nation,” the president said.
President Zardari reaffirmed that there would be no compromise on protecting the homeland, stressing that the state was fully determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism at every cost.
In a separate statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz also applauded the bravery and unwavering commitment of the security forces for their successful operations.
The prime minister said the elimination of 75 terrorists during the ongoing campaign against Fitna-ul-Khawarij highlighted the outstanding professionalism and operational effectiveness of the security forces.
He also appreciated the well-planned strategy adopted by the forces while carrying out operations in the country's difficult mountainous regions.
The premier also praised the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps for successfully repelling the terrorist attack on the police station in Khuzdar.
“The firm resolve of the security forces and the nation will remain undeterred until the complete elimination of Fitna-ul-Khawarij, and eradication of terrorism from the country. Every conspiracy to sabotage the peace and order of Balochistan will be foiled as the entire nation stands by its brave forces and police,” PM Shehbaz said.