Four Pakistani soldiers were killed and twelve terrorists linked to “Indian proxy groups” were eliminated in separate military operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced late Thursday.

The ISPR detailed two separate engagements in KP. In North Waziristan, an attack on a security forces’ check post in the Shawal area was thwarted. The ISPR statement read: “Indian-sponsored khawarij attempted to attack a security forces’ check post in general area Shawal…The attempt was effectively thwarted by own troops and in [the] ensuing fire exchange, six Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell.” This engagement resulted in the martyrdom of Lieutenant Daniyal Ismail (24), along with three other soldiers: Naib Subedar Kashif Raza (42), Lance Naik Fiaqat Ali (35), and Sepoy Muhammad Hameed (26). The ISPR noted that Lt. Ismail “fought gallantly and embraced shahadat (martyrdom) along with his three men.”

A second operation in Chitral District resulted in the neutralization of one additional terrorist.

In Balochistan, five more terrorists linked to “Indian proxy Fitnah-al-Hindustan” were killed in two separate operations. The ISPR reported that one intelligence-based operation in Loralai District led to the elimination of four terrorists and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. These terrorists, according to the ISPR, were involved in attacks on the N-70 highway resulting in 30 deaths. A further terrorist was killed in a separate engagement in Kech District.

The ISPR concluded its statement by asserting, “[The] Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace [of] Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and reaffirm the nation’s unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism and their facilitators to justice.”

President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement praising the security forces and reiterating his commitment to eradicating Fitnah-ul-Hindustan, stating, “Security forces are taking action to eradicate the menace of terrorism and the nation stands united. Operations against Fitnah-ul-Hindustan will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated.”