Security forces killed nine terrorists including a highly wanted commander during an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation was carried out in Takwara, DI Khan, targeting a ‘high value target’ Commander Shireen. The operation was conducted on the night between April 6 and 7.
As a result of the operation, at least nine terrorists including Shireen were killed and a huge number of weapons was confiscated.
ISPR said that the terrorist ‘ring leader’ was involved in numerous terrorist plots including the attack that martyred Captain Hasnain Akhtar on March 20.
“Today’s operation has avenged the heinous act and has brought the main perpetrator to justice,” ISPR said.
A sanitization operation was also carried out to eliminate or apprehend any other terrorists in the area.
According to another statement from the ISPR, security forces detected the militants as they tried to cross the border in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan on the night between April 5 and 6.
An ‘intense exchange of fire’ took place as the forces engaged the terrorists. As a result of the operation, eight terrorists were killed while another four were injured.
A sanitization operation was also carried out to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” ISPR said.
This is not the first instance this year of terrorists being engaged while crossing from Afghanistan. Last month, at least 16 terrorists were killed in Ghulam Khan Kalay, North Waziristan as they attempted to enter Pakistan.
Pakistan has not formally recognised the Taliban government but maintains diplomatic presence in Kabul. The relations between the two countries have been marred by continuous allegations by Pakistan about safe havens for terrorists in Afghanistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Liberation Army.
