ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 17 “India-sponsored” terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to ISPR, the operation was launched on the night between Friday and Saturday following reports about the presence of militants linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used by the state for terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Troops effectively engaged the hideout, and as a result, seventeen Indian-sponsored Khawarij were sent to hell,” the military’s media wing stated.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.
A sanitisation operation is underway to ensure no further presence of such terrorists in the area.
President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the security forces on the successful operation, commending their determination to eliminate Indian proxy networks. He expressed satisfaction over the neutralisation of 17 militants and paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of Pakistan’s security personnel, terming them “a source of pride for the nation.”
The President stressed that the complete eradication of “Fitna al-Khawarij” and Indian-sponsored terrorism was vital for sustainable peace in Pakistan. “The successful operation reflects the nation’s collective resolve to defeat terrorism,” he said, reaffirming that the people of Pakistan stand firmly with their armed forces.
The development comes amid a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan. In November 2022, the TTP, after ending its ceasefire with the government, vowed to intensify attacks against security and law enforcement personnel.
In August this year, Lakki Marwat witnessed a string of militant assaults that claimed the lives of three soldiers and a woman, while injuring three others, including two soldiers.
