LAKKI MARWAT (MNN); Pakistan’s security forces killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations.
The military’s media wing said the operation was launched after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants described as “khawarij” linked to an Indian proxy group identified as “Fitna al Khawarij”.
Authorities use the term “Fitna al Khawarij” to refer to the banned militant organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
According to the statement, security personnel effectively engaged the militants’ hideout during the operation. After an intense exchange of fire, five militants were killed.
The statement added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in several terrorist activities in the region.
Security forces also launched a sanitisation operation in the area to ensure that no other militants remain present in the vicinity.
The military said that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their counter-terrorism efforts under the national security initiative known as Azm-i-Istehkam, which was approved by the federal apex committee under the National Action Plan.
Officials said the campaign aims to eliminate the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Sunday’s operation is the latest in a series of actions against militants in Lakki Marwat. Just two days earlier, the Counter Terrorism Department had killed six militants during another intelligence-based operation in the district.
Earlier in the week, security forces also eliminated four militants in a separate operation carried out in the same area.
