Fifteen terrorists have been killed after security forces intercepted an attempted cross-border infiltration into North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists attempted to enter Pakistan during the night between August 31 and September 1.
Security forces detected their movement and engaged them in an operation that lasted 36 hours.
The military said the terrorists belonged to “Fitna-al-Khawarij”, a term used by the Pakistani state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and described them as India-sponsored.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered during a subsequent sanitisation operation in the area, ISPR said, adding that the operation was continuing to locate and eliminate any other terrorists who may have been present.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately praised the security forces for preventing the attempted infiltration.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said the security forces had demonstrated “utmost professional skill, patience and courage” and had “reduced the impure intentions of the terrorists to dust”.
He said that the Azm-i-Istehkam campaign against terrorism would continue until the threat was eliminated.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the forces’ resolve to defend the country’s borders and protect peace and stability was “commendable”. He added: “No permission will be granted to terrorist elements operating under foreign patronage to spread unrest in Pakistan.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the security forces had foiled the infiltration attempt and reduced the enemy’s “nefarious intentions to dust”, according to a statement issued by his ministry.
