ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have delivered a decisive blow toterrorism by eliminating thirteen terrorists affiliated with theIndian-sponsored group Fitna Al Khwarij in separate intelligence-basedoperations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on January 13 and 14. TheInter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced these successes onThursday, highlighting the relentless pursuit of foreign-backed elementsthreatening national security. This development raises critical questionsabout the persistence of cross-border terrorism and the effectiveness ofPakistan’s comprehensive strategy to eradicate it completely.
The first operation unfolded in Bannu district following preciseintelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the area.Security forces engaged the militants in a fierce gunfight, ultimatelyneutralising eight members of Fitna Al Khwarij. Such targeted actionsunderscore the high level of professionalism and coordination amongPakistan’s defence apparatus in responding to imminent threats in sensitivedistricts. Weapons and ammunition recovered from the site further confirmedthe terrorists’ involvement in planning attacks against civilians and lawenforcement personnel.
In a parallel effort, another intelligence-based operation was launched inKurram district, where security forces confronted a group of militants inan intense exchange of fire. Five terrorists were successfully eliminatedduring this engagement, dealing another setback to the network operatingunder external patronage. These back-to-back operations demonstrate theproactive stance adopted by Pakistan’s armed forces to disrupt terroristhideouts before they can execute planned assaults, thereby safeguardinglocal communities from potential violence.
Fitna Al Khwarij serves as the official designation for militantsassociated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a term adoptedto expose their extremist ideology that deviates from mainstream Islamicteachings. Pakistani authorities have consistently described these elementsas proxies sponsored by India, operating from sanctuaries across theborder. This narrative aligns with broader claims of foreign interferenceaimed at destabilising Pakistan through sustained terrorist activities inKhyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
These latest successes form an integral part of the nationalcounter-terrorism campaign known as Azm-e-Istehkam, which received approvalfrom the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. Launched toreinvigorate efforts against extremism, the operation emphasisescomprehensive measures including intelligence-driven strikes, sanitisationof affected areas, and enhanced border management. Official statementsindicate that sanitisation operations continue in the regions to eliminateany remaining threats, reflecting an unwavering commitment to rooting outterrorism at its core.
Pakistan has witnessed a significant upsurge in terrorist incidents sincethe political changes in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, with KhyberPakhtunkhwa bearing the brunt of cross-border militancy. Data from militarysources reveal thousands of intelligence-based operations conductednationwide in recent years, resulting in the neutralisation of hundreds ofmilitants. This pattern highlights the persistent challenge posed by groupsusing external territories as bases for attacks inside Pakistan,necessitating sustained military pressure.
Read Top Stories
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended the security forces for theirbravery and professionalism in executing these operations. He emphasisedthat under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, significant strides are being madein the war against terrorism. The prime minister reiterated the nation’sunified support for the armed forces, asserting that the collective resolvewill ensure the complete eradication of the menace of cross-borderterrorism.
The operations also come amid ongoing regional tensions, where Pakistanmaintains that foreign sponsorship fuels instability. Similar recentactions in Balochistan, including the elimination of militants linked toIndian proxy groups, illustrate a consistent approach across provinces.Analysts note that such targeted eliminations disrupt command structuresand logistical networks, gradually weakening the operational capacity ofterrorist outfits.
As sanitisation efforts proceed and counter-terrorism operations intensify,Pakistan’s security establishment remains vigilant. The commitment tofull-paced actions signals that no effort will be spared untilforeign-sponsored terrorism is wiped out entirely. These developmentsreinforce the state’s determination to protect its sovereignty and ensurepeace for its citizens in the face of persistent external threats.
ogimageimage-name
