At least 12 soldiers were martyred and 35 terrorists killed during two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) South Waziristan and Bajaur districts between Sept 10 and 13.

 

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists belonged to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij and a heavy cache of weapons was recovered from their possession.

 

On details of the action, the military’s media-wing said that an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bajaur upon receiving information about the presence of terrorists. “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 22 Indian sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell.”

 

“In another encounter that took place in South Waziristan District, 13 more Khwarij were neutralised by security forces. However, during intense fire exchange, 12 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR added.

 

It further said that the killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous activities in said areas.

 

“Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts. Besides, use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by Fitna al Khawarij terrorists continues to remain a grave point of concern. Pakistan expects the Inteirm Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.”

 

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Khwarji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terror from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the statement concluded.

 

Pakistan has in recent months been experiencing a surge in terror incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. After withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified assaults on security forces, police and other law enforcement personnel.

 

Fitna al Khwarij is being used to refer to terrorists belonging to the outlawed TTP, while Balochistan-based groups are referred to as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across the country.