13 Indian-backed Khawarij killed in KP operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 13 Indian-backed Khawarij militants in intelligence-based operations in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on March 6 and 7, security forces carried out five separate operations in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on intelligence-based operations. During these operations, 13 Indian-backed Khawarij militants were killed in clashes.

The ISPR said that during a intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district, a Khawarij hideout was effectively targeted. After a fierce exchange of fire, 5 Khawarij militants were killed, while 3 Khawarij militants of Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during operations in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

As per the ISPR, 5 Khawarij militants were also killed in two clashes in Khyber and South Waziristan districts. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the Indian-backed Khawarij militants. The killed Khawarij militants were involved in several terrorist acts in the area.

The ISP further said that despite the challenges faced on the Afghanistan border, counter-terrorism operations are ongoing and Pakistan’s security forces are determined and steadfast to defend the country’s borders.

The Pakistan Army’s Public Relations Department said that operations are underway to eliminate terrorism under the sanitization operation “Azm-e-Istiqab” to eliminate Indian-sponsored Khawarij in the area. Security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue operations until terrorism is completely eliminated.