Security forces kill 24 India-backed terrorists in KP's Bannu, adjoining areas: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces have eliminated at least 24 terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa's (KP) Bannu district and adjoining areas, the military's media wing said on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in the backdrop of a recent surge in terrorist activities against police and vehicle-borne suicide bombing in Bannu District, in which Indian-proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij targeted Law Enforcement Agencies and innocent civilians, security forces initiated extensive joint intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to hunt the perpetrators of these heinous attacks and their support infrastructure.

"Accordingly, in last twenty-four hours, following the fierce fire exchanges in Bannu district and adjoining areas, 24 khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij have been sent to hell," the statement said.

The military’s media wing said that weapons and ammunition have also been recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and the killing of innocent civilians.

"The operations in the area would continue, and perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly acts will be brought to justice, as the relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm-e-Istehkam' (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and LEAs will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed the security forces and law enforcement agencies for eliminating 24 Indian-backed Fitna al Khawarij terrorists during intelligence-led operations (IBOs) conducted in Bannu and adjoining areas.

In separate statements, the president and the premier appreciated the prompt and decisive action taken by the security forces against militants involved in attacks on police officials and innocent civilians, particularly in Bannu.

“The operations against Fitna al Khawarij and their facilitators working under Indian patronage will be taken to their logical conclusion,” President Zardari said, adding that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces and law enforcement agencies.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said eradicating terrorists and the networks supporting them remained the government's foremost priority.

He reaffirmed the government's determination to defeat the malicious plans of Indian-backed terrorist groups and ensure that those responsible for assaults on security personnel and civilians are brought to justice.