RAWALPINDI: A day after 16 soldiers were martyred in a gun battle in South Waziristan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Friday called on the Pakistan Army to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism. reiterated its firm commitment, a statement from the army’s media wing said. said.
The Army Chief made these remarks during a visit to Wana region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) South Waziristan, Inter-Services Public Relations said on Sunday. On reaching Wana, he was received by Corps Commander Peshawar.
During the visit, the COAS received a comprehensive briefing on the current security scenario and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, ISPR said.
Interacting with the officers and soldiers, he reiterated the nation’s pride in their sacrifices while appreciating their unwavering resilience and steadfastness in the face of terrorism. He asserted that martyrs are the pride of Pakistan, their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
General Munir highlighted that the courage, resilience and unwavering determination of Pakistan’s armed forces is the “cornerstone of the nation’s sovereignty”.
He described the soldiers of the armed forces and LEAs as “true heroes of the nation”, whose bravery and selfless dedication inspires the entire country.
He reiterated the Pakistan Army’s commitment to pursue the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), now known as Fitna-ul-Khawarij, and its “Facilitators, facilitators and financiers must be hunted down. Their nefarious activities against the state must be made to pay,” he said. Will have to.”
The Army Chief’s visit comes a day after the martyrdom of 16 soldiers of the Pakistan Army while thwarting an attempt by terrorists to attack a security check post in South Waziristan district.
ISPR said that on the intervening night of December 20-21, a group of terrorists attempted to attack a security forces check post in the general area of Makin tribal district.
He said the attempt was effectively foiled by the troops and in the ensuing exchange of fire, “eight Khawarij [terrorists] Consigned to hell.” “However, in a fierce exchange of fire sixteen brave sons of the soil fought bravely and accepted martyrdom.”
Pakistan has been facing increasing terrorist attacks for months and in the third quarter (July-September) terrorist violence and counter-terrorism The campaigns have seen a sharp rise in casualties and violence has increased by 90 percent. Research and 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.