RAWALPINDI: Security forces have gunned down four terrorists, including their leader Batoor, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an IBO operation in General Bagh area of Khyber district on November 27 on information about the presence of terrorists.
“During the operation, their own forces effectively targeted the position of the Khawarij, resulting in the death of four Khawarij, including the leader of the Khawarij, while three were injured.”
The ISPR said the sweep operation is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, as Pakistan’s security forces are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
In their separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif praised the security forces for killing the terrorists.
He appreciated the officers and men of the security forces for the successful operation against the terrorists in Khyber district.
President Zardari praised the role of the security forces in the fight against terrorism and reiterated his determination to eradicate this menace completely.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the entire nation stands with the security forces against terrorism.
He said that the war against terrorism will continue till this scourge is completely eradicated from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the security forces for conducting a successful operation against terrorists. He said that he was proud of the capabilities of his security forces, adding that the brave forces thwarted the nefarious intentions of the terrorists.
It is worth noting here that the third quarter of 2024 (July-September) saw a sharp increase in terrorist violence and deaths in counter-terrorism operations, with a 90 percent increase in violence, according to the Center for According to a report released by Research End. Security Studies (CRSS).
A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel and illegals, while 615 others were injured in 328 cases assessed.
About 97 percent of these deaths occurred in KP and Balochistan – the highest percentage in a decade, and more than 92 percent of these incidents of terrorist attacks and security forces operations were recorded in the same provinces.
The total deaths from the three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total recorded for the whole of 2023. The number of deaths rose to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters from 1,523 in 2023.
Meanwhile, terrorist groups continue to reorganize and strengthen their ranks. According to the report, most of the terror attacks went unpunished by terrorist or insurgent groups, possibly due to tactics.