LOC22:29
19:29 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- A series of security operations in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan killed at least 38 militants.
Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that at least 15 militants were killed in two separate engagements in KPK's Dera Ismail Khan district and North Waziristan tribal district.
Another 23 militants were killed in two separate engagements in KPK, according to another statement from the ISPR.
Acting on intelligence tips, the security forces launched an operation in Bajaur tribal district of the province and effectively engaged with the militants, killing 11 of them, including the ringleader Sajjad Abuzar.
In another intelligence-based operation conducted in Bannu district of KPK, security forces successfully neutralized 12 more militants, the release by ISPR confirmed.
The military further said that sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other militant found in the area as relentless counter terrorism campaign by security forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid glowing tribute to the security forces for successfully conducting two more operations against the terrorists. The President, in his statement, said the elimination of 23 terrorists reflects the effective strategy of the security forces.
He said the killing of several terrorists, including a ringleader in Bajaur, is a clear message to all anti-peace elements.
President Zardari said the timely actions of the security forces are testament of the state's firm commitment for establishing peace in the country.
The President expressed the resolve that there is no room for foreign-sponsored terrorism on Pakistan's soil.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his statement, reaffirmed that the entire nation stands firmly with Pakistan's armed forces in war against terrorism.
He expressed the commitment that the government is fully determined to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Earlier last week, Pakistan's security forces killed 20 militants in two separate engagements in KPK's tribal districts. 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)
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