Rawalpindi (Web Desk): The security forces on Tuesday killed 27 terrorists in various intelligence-based operations (IBOs), conducted to contain the increased activities of terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan District, while successfully thwarting insurgents' attacks at a military post in Daraban area.
According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), "The night of 11 and 12 December 2023, witnessed heightened activities in Dera Ismail Khan District, wherein a total of twenty-seven terrorists were sent to hell during various operations.”
The statement said that the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area Darazinda on the reported presence of terrorists.
"During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell," the military's media wing said.
In another intelligence-based operation in the general area Kulachi, own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell. However, after the intense exchange of fire, two brave sons of the soil, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat (martyrdom).
The killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians. The forces recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives during the operations.
As per the ISPR, in the early hours of December 12, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the general area Daraban.
The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack.
The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty three brave soldiers embraced Shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell.
“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist present in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
The attacks have elicited condemnation from political figures, journalists, and members of civil society.
In a statement, President Dr Arif Alvi said that such cowardly acts cannot shake the resolve of our security personnel. He said sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain.
The president commiserated with the bereaved families.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security forces in Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan.
In a statement, he said that the security forces cannot be demoralised by such cowardly acts.
"The entire nation salutes the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism," PM Kakar said.
Commiserating with the bereaved families, he prayed for the departed souls.
The prime minister directed to provide every possible medical treatment to those injured in the attack.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the police station in Dera Ismail Khan.
In a statement, the minister expressed deep sorrow and regret over the martyrdom of the soldiers in the terrorist attack and prayed for the high status of martyrs.
The minister said that the government stands with the families of the martyrs at the time of grief.
He vowed that the terrorists can never succeed in their nefarious aims and the entire nation stands with the security forces in the war against terrorism.
"Martyrs are our real heroes, their great sacrifices will not go in vain," the interior minister said, adding that the whole world recognises the eternal sacrifices of the security forces in the war against terrorism.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident, condemning the attacks on both civilians and security forces as unforgivable.
