Security forces kill 23 Indian-backed Khwarij in KP’s Kurram: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces killed 23 khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij in two separate engagements in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP), the military's media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a targeted operation was conducted by security forces on reported presence of Khwarij.

“During the conduct of operation, the troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange sent 12 khwarij to hell,” the statement said.

In another intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the same general area, 11 more Khwarij were successfully neutralized by the security forces.

“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision "Azm e Istehkam" (approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) continues 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 Thursday applauded the security forces for a major breakthrough in Kurram district, where 23 Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij militants were killed during ongoing operations.

In their separate statements, both leaders praised the competence and dedication of the officers and soldiers taking part in the counterterror effort, noting that their professionalism continues to strengthen the country’s security front.

President Zardari said the Pakistan Army and law-enforcement agencies were protecting the nation with complete determination.

He added that terrorism, fuelled by foreign support, was being systematically uprooted through unity and national consensus. He further stated that the sacrifices of martyrs and Ghazis would remain etched in the nation’s memory.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the people of Pakistan stood firmly with the armed forces in the fight against militancy.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and ensure long-term peace in the country.