ISLAMABAD: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that 21 militants were killed during separate clashes and security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 2 and 5.
According to the military’s media wing, security forces conducted a series of intelligence-based operations and engagements in different areas of the province as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate militant threats.
Operations in North Waziristan
The ISPR said that during an operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan, carried out during the night between August 31 and September 1, security forces killed 10 militants who were hiding in the area.
In another operation in North Waziristan, security forces killed a further seven militants, according to the statement.
Two separate engagements in Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the deaths of another four militants.
The ISPR said the total number of militants killed while attempting to infiltrate into Pakistan had reached 25.
Clearance operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to locate and eliminate any remaining militants, the military said.
The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to eliminate terrorism from the country.
ISPR raises concern over cross-border terrorism
The military’s media wing also alleged that cross-border terrorism against Pakistan was being carried out from Afghan territory.
The ISPR called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure effective border management and prevent militant organisations from using Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan.
According to the statement, the Afghan Taliban government has so far been unable to prevent terrorist organisations from operating from its territory.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about militant groups allegedly maintaining sanctuaries and operational networks in Afghanistan. Islamabad has called on the Afghan authorities to take effective action against groups involved in attacks inside Pakistan.
President Zardari praises security forces
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their operations against militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He commended the forces for their professionalism and expressed satisfaction over the timely action taken against the militants.
President Zardari said that Pakistan would defeat the “nefarious designs” of terrorists operating with external support at all costs.
He said the defence of Pakistan’s borders and the complete elimination of terrorism remained among the country’s top priorities.
The president also urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz pays tribute to forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces for the successful operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the nation was proud of the armed forces for thwarting attempts to undermine peace and stability in the country.
The prime minister said the entire nation stood alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
He added that operations would continue under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam until terrorism was completely eliminated.
The latest operations come amid continued security concerns along Pakistan’s western border and persistent militant activity in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities maintain that intelligence-based operations, border security measures and clearance operations will continue as part of the broader campaign against terrorism.
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