Security forces have killed 11 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to security sources cited by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan on Thursday.
Two members of Fitna al Khawarij were killed during an operation in Bannu, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, Radio Pakistan reported.
Five other Khawarij terrorists were killed during an operation in the Ladha area of South Waziristan, according to the broadcaster.
In Balochistan, four terrorists identified as members of Fitna al Hindustan were killed in the Sasool area of Khuzdar district, Radio Pakistan said.
Security forces targeted the militants with the assistance of a quadcopter, according to the report.
Pakistani authorities use Fitna al Khawarij to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, while Fitna al Hindustan is used for designated Balochistan-based militant groups.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the operations, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.
“Eradicating terrorist elements operating with foreign backing, including Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, is essential for national security and sustainable peace,” Zardari said.
He added that Pakistan would not rest until the country was rid of terrorism and said the nation was proud of the professional capabilities and achievements of its security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for their operations and commended their professionalism, according to a statement from his ministry.
“The brave sons of the security forces are a source of pride for us,” Naqvi said, adding that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
The latest operations are part of continuing counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the official account, 11 terrorists were killed in the three operations.
