Pakistan Security Forces Kill 34 Terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Operations
Security forces in Pakistan have killed 34 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces. The operations, carried out over the past several days, are part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
Operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 26 terrorists were killed in four separate engagements within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 24th.
- In North Waziristan district, troops engaged a group attempting to infiltrate from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing one terrorist identified as an Afghan national.
- In Lakki Marwat district, three terrorists were killed following an exchange of fire.
- Two IBOs in the Narmi Khel area of Bannu district resulted in the deaths of 10 terrorists.
- Twelve militants were neutralized in Mir Ali, North Waziristan district.
Operations in Balochistan
Eight terrorists were killed during an operation in the Sambaza area of Zhob district, Balochistan.
Details of the Operations
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, who authorities say were involved in multiple terrorist activities in the respective areas. The ISPR stated that sanitization operations are underway to eliminate any remaining threats.
National Security Framework
The military reaffirmed its commitment to continuing counterterrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework, a national security plan approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan. This framework aims to eradicate militancy from the country, with security forces coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
Recent Events
These operations come amid heightened security concerns in Pakistan, following recent events such as a 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan felt in Pakistan and concerns over potential militant attacks after Afghanistan air strikes .
Source: The Tribune, Balochistan Pulse, Dunya News, Dawn