Security forces kill 22 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Khyber IBO: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces and law enforcement agencies, during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO), killed 22 Indian-sponsored Fitna-al- in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint intelligence-based operation was conducted on reported presence of khwarij in Khyber District.

"During conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire and skillful engagements by own forces, 22 khwarij, belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, were sent to hell. Due to cowardice and fear of getting apprehended alive, Khwarij resorted to indiscriminate firing which resulted in martyrdom of a 10-year-old innocent child," the statement said.

It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian sponsored Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

The military’s media wing said that sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji in the area.

"Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifice of our innocent civilians further strengthen our resolve," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid tribute to the security forces for killing 22 militants associated with Fitna Al-Khawarij during the IBO in Khyber District.

In their separate statements, the president and the premier reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country, making it clear that operations against such threats would persist until complete peace is restored.

President Zardari pointed out that these militant groups were trying to sabotage Pakistan’s broader mission to secure long-term stability in the region.

“We will defeat terrorism and continue to play a leading role in maintaining peace in the region and across the world,” the president said.

The president also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of a 10-year-old child during the operation and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the child’s martyrdom, which occurred as a result of unprovoked firing by the terrorists.

Denouncing the act in the strongest terms, he prayed for resilience and patience for the bereaved family.

“The cowardly terrorists’ unprovoked firing, carried out in an attempt to save themselves, which resulted in the martyrdom of a child, is an irreparable crime against humanity,” he added.