RAWALPINDI – Pakistani security forces have killed 15 militants belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij group after foiling a major infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the military’s media wing announced on Wednesday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the terrorists attempted to cross into North Waziristan district on the night between August 31 and September 1. Security forces confronted the infiltrators and successfully thwarted the attempt after an intense operation lasting approximately 36 hours.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
According to the ISPR statement, a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed militants during a follow-up sanitisation operation. The military said the recovery has further exposed the nefarious designs of the Khwarij and their facilitators seeking to disrupt peace and stability in Pakistan.
The military accused the Afghan Taliban government of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan territory for cross-border activities. ISPR stated that Kabul has not established effective border management and has failed to fulfil its international responsibilities in preventing terrorist movements.
Clearance Operations Continue
Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to defend the country’s borders, the statement said. Clearance operations are continuing in the area to eliminate other militants allegedly operating with Indian support.
The military added that counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative will continue with full momentum. The operation is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to eliminate terrorist networks operating along its western border.
National Leadership Pays Tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for thwarting the infiltration attempt and killing 15 Khawarij terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan.
In separate statements, both leaders commended the security forces for foiling the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists through professional capabilities, patience and valour.
President Zardari said terrorist elements backed by external forces would never be allowed to create unrest in the country. He described the commitment of security forces to defending borders and safeguarding peace as commendable.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed resolve to continue the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign with full force to uproot the menace of terrorism. He said the entire nation takes pride in its brave armed forces, which are determined to defend the country’s borders and ensure national security.
Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also paid tribute to the security forces, stating that India-backed terrorists will never be allowed to obstruct Pakistan’s peace, stability and journey towards prosperity. He said efforts of security forces and law-enforcement agencies would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.
