ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military says security forces have killed 21 militants during several operations and clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 2 and 5. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), clearance operations are continuing in the affected areas to eliminate remaining militant elements.
The military’s media wing said that an operation was conducted near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan during the night between August 31 and September 1. During the operation, security forces killed 10 militants who were reportedly hiding in the area.
According to ISPR, security forces carried out another operation in North Waziristan in which seven more militants were killed. Four additional militants were killed in two separate clashes in Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan. The military said the total number of militants killed while attempting infiltration has now reached 25.
ISPR said clearance operations are underway to locate and eliminate other militants present in the area. The military reiterated its determination to continue operations against terrorism and said security forces remain committed to protecting the country and maintaining peace and stability.
The military also raised concerns over what it described as cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan. ISPR called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure effective border management and prevent militant organizations from using Afghan territory for activities against Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their successful operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and commended their professional capabilities. He expressed satisfaction over the timely response and said Pakistan would continue to thwart the objectives of militants backed by external elements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces, saying the nation takes pride in the professional capabilities of the armed forces. He said the entire nation stands alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism and stressed that operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision would continue until terrorism is completely eliminated.
