NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces killed three militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, state media reported on Wednesday, citing security sources.
According to the report, security forces targeted hideouts in Mir Ali and nearby areas belonging to militants described by the state as Fitna al Khawarij, a designation used by Pakistani authorities for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Security sources said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the militants killed during the operation.
State broadcaster PTV also reported that security personnel foiled an attempt by militants to intercept a ration truck near Mir Ali Bazaar.
According to the report, security forces reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism under the country’s counterterrorism campaign, Azm-e-Istehkam.
President, Prime Minister Praise Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operation, according to Radio Pakistan.
President Zardari said counterterrorism operations would continue in an effort to establish peace across the country and maintained that militant attempts to undermine security would be thwarted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said eliminating terrorism remained among the government’s highest priorities.
KP Faces Continuing Security Challenges
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has continued to experience militant attacks and broader security challenges.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 militant attacks in August, compared with 36 in July — an increase of 50 per cent.
The Mir Ali operation follows several other recent counterterrorism actions in the province.
A day earlier, security forces killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation in KP’s Bara area. Four militants were also killed during an operation in Dera Ismail Khan on Monday.
The operations come amid heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing at the Aman Mela police checkpost in DI Khan’s Darazinda tehsil last week. Twelve people were killed and 35 others injured in that attack.
