LOC18:33
15:33 GMT
ISLAMABAD, April 7 (KUNA) -- At least nine militants, including a ring leader, were killed by security forces in an operation in Pakistanآ’s northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan, said military on Monday.
According to Pakistan militaryآ’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence based operation was conducted by security forces in general area Takwara of Dera Ismail Khan district in KPK on reported presence of militants.
During conduct of the operation, Pakistan military troops effectively engaged the militantsآ’ location and after an intense fire exchange, nine militants including a high value target Ring leader Shireen were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militants. The killed ring leader was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies due to his involvement in numerous terrorist activities and target killing of numerous innocent civilians and an army officer. The military said that the operation has avenged the heinous act and has brought the main perpetrator to justice. Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other militant found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, said the release by ISPR.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have commended security forces for their successful operation against terrorists.
In his statement, the President said the security forces' operations will continue till the complete eradication of terrorism. He expressed resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and ensure that the country's defense will remain unwavering.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said the entire nation stands by the security forces in the war against terrorism and expressed the commitment to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.
The operation comes a day after eight militants trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border were killed by Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan tribal district of KPK. The security operations coincide with a rise in terror attacks across Pakistan, especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan. (end)
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