ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- At least 13 militants were killed in two separate security operations in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan on Friday.
According to a press release by Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a joint intelligence-based operation was conducted by the security forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in general area Paharkhel of Lakki Marwat district in KPK on reported presence of militants.
During the conduct of the operation, Pakistani troops effectively engaged the militants' location and after an intense exchange of fire, ten militants were killed, ISPR confirmed.
It further said that another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district of KPK.
In ensuing fire exchange, three militants were effectively neutralized by the security forces. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed the militants, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces, Law Enforcement agencies and target killing of innocent civilians.
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, the military added.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the security forces for killing 13 militants in the latest operations in KPK.
In their separate statements, they applauded the professionalism of security forces and law enforcement agencies in conducting successful operations.
The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism that will continue till the complete elimination of the menace.
Earlier in the week, Pakistan military confirmed the killing of over 75 militants by security forces during a series of counter terrorism operations against the militants in KPK.
The operations come at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a rise in terror attacks especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan. (end) sbk.mb