Security forces killed three terrorists while foiling an attempted suicide attack in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the army’s media wing said on Saturday.
A statement issued today by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces foiled a “major terrorist incident and averted a possible catastrophic attack” a day ago after carrying out an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general area of Jhallar district based on credible intelligence about reported terrorist presence belonging to “Indian agents”. Fitna al-Khawarij prepare a vehicle-borne suicide bomber for a major terrorist activity.”
Fitna al-Khawarij is a term the state uses to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
He added that the troops did indeed attack them at their location and destroyed the vehicle that was being prepared for the suicide attack while eliminating three “Indian-sponsored” terrorists through “precise and skillful engagement.”
The ISPR said a disinfection operation was being carried out to eliminate other terrorists found in the area.
“The relentless anti-terror campaign under the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ vision (approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism in the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist attacks, especially in KP and Balochistan, mainly targeting police, law enforcement personnel and security forces. Attacks increased after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022.
Earlier this week, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi claimed that the resurgence of terrorism being witnessed in the province was due to the “flawed policy” of the federal government. The PTI, which has been in power in KP since 2013, opposes military operations, which are also resisted by tribal people, often leading to displacement.
Although in August the federal government ruled out a new offensive, it continues anti-terrorist operations within the framework of the National Action Plan. A military operation is looming over Kurram district where people have started leaving their homes, while a targeted action is planned in War Mamund tehsil in Bajaur.
