Security operations kill 34 militants in N. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (KUNA) - At least 34 militants were killed by security forces in multiple engagements in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said military on Thursday.
According to a press release by Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), on reported presence of militants, an intelligence-based operation was conducted by the security forces in general area Spinwam of North Waziristan tribal district. During the conduct of the operation, security forces effectively engaged the militants' location and after an intense exchange of fire, 18 militants were killed, confirmed ISPR. Another intelligence-based operation was conducted in the South Waziristan tribal district of KPK and in the ensuing exchange of fire, eight militants were neutralized, the military added. In the third encounter that took place in Bannu District of the province, security forces successfully neutralized eight more militants. President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement, lauded the armed forces and security agencies for successfully carrying out the counterterrorism operations. In a statement, the President said that timely actions of the security forces have improved the peace and stability situation in the country. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for killing 34 militants and said that "the counter-terrorism campaign will continue with full vigor until the complete eradication of the menace of terrorism from the country." The security operations come at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a rise in terror attacks especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan. (end) sbk.aa