12 terrorists also killed by forces; Civilian girl dies, seven others injured; Security forces respond with precision
Emergency workers respond to a terrorist attack in Bajaur. Photo: Reuters
RAWALPINDI:
Twelve Indian proxy terrorists were killed, while 11 security personnel martyred, as the security forces foiled a terrorist attack on a check post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Bajaur district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists, belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, a term used for the Indian proxy Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), attempted a cowardly attack on a joint check post of the security forces and law-enforcement agencies in the Bajaur district on Monday.
“The assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces,” the ISPR said in a press release issued here.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 khwarij. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall,” it added.
“Due to blast impact infrastructure at Check post collapsed resultantly 11 brave sons of soil, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat. Tragically, civilian residential buildings in close proximity also suffered severe destruction as a result of explosion, leading to the martyrdom of one innocent young girl and injuries to seven others including women and children.”
According to the media wing of the military, sanitisation operations were being carried out to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” it said.
It said relentless counterterrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism.
The country’s political leadership, meanwhile, strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred security personnel and a civilian girl, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
President Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement that the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for the country’s defence only strengthened Pakistan’s resolve. He emphasised that the complete eradication of externally-backed terrorism remains a top national priority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces’ timely response and their major successes against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision and reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its forces in the fight against extremism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for foiling the terrorist attack, saying that the brave troops eliminated 12 terrorists. “The heroic sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten,” he said. “The nation would always honour those who laid down their lives.”
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the attack. He termed the martyrdom of security personnel and a young girl deeply tragic, saying that rescue agencies had been directed to launch immediate and comprehensive relief operations.
Afridi stressed that such cowardly acts could not weaken the nation’s resolve. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete elimination of terrorism. He said operations against elements hostile to peace would be further intensified across the province.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also lauded the professionalism and bravery of the security forces, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed that the martyrs’ sacrifices would not go in vain.
(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)
