NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Security personnel killed 18 Indian-supported Khawarij in Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, and Data Khel region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in an intelligence-based operation, security sources added on Friday.
Sources said that the operation was conducted on October 16 after receiving credible information regarding the presence of militants working as Afghan Taliban proxies in the region.
Security forces initiated aerial and ground monitoring in Sultan Khel and Tofan Wala districts, where militants’ movement was monitored, and with that, an instant operation was followed.
Eight most-wanted Khawarij were martyred during the encounter. Weapons and explosives were found in abundance, the sources further added.
At the same time, security troops thwarted a militant ambush on their camp in the Mir Ali sector of North Waziristan, killing four militants, including a suicide bomber, and six other militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Datta Khel, security sources added.
Militants tried to carry out a suicide attack on a security forces’ compound in Mir Ali, security officials said. One of the attackers drove an explosive-packed vehicle into the boundary wall of the camp, causing a massive explosion, while three others attempted to break into the compound.
The troops acted quickly, killing all three attackers at the entrance of the camp. There was no loss to the security forces’ side, the sources further added.
In a separate operation in the Tang Kali area of Datta Khel, security forces killed six militants, including a key commander identified as Mehboob alias Muhammad, during an intelligence-based raid.
The operation was carried out after intelligence received a suggestion of militant activity in the area. Security forces kept the area under watch for eight to ten days before clashing with the suspects on October 16. Six militants were gunned down and three others were wounded in the exchange of fire, the sources added.
Security officials added that the operation was an effort to remove anti-state elements from the area and bring long-term peace to the region.
Security personnel also reported that a total of 102 militants dispatched by the Afghan Taliban had been killed during the last four days. Operations under the National Action Plan are ongoing across the country with the public and security forces’ collective efforts to root out terrorism, according to sources.
In the meantime, a camp that is not registered, containing dozens of Afghan nationals, has allegedly been found inthe Sohan Zone of Islamabad, causing serious security concerns regarding suspected illegal activity and poor enforcement.
Official sources report that some of the people staying in the improvised settlements,t that are comprised of tents and transitory shelters, are suspected to be facilitators for land-grabbing groups that are based in the twin cities. Intelligence agencies have already informed Islamabad Police about suspicious activity that has been traced back to these people, reporting that they often move around the capital late at night using different cars.
The performance of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Islamabad has also been questioned by sources, alleging that no tangible action has been taken even after repeated intelligence warnings.
When contacted, Islamabad Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad declared that the decision of Afghan nationals’ presence, movement, and regulation lies with the district administration, and police only extend operational support where necessary. “The district administration is best placed to respond to this issue,” he said.
