Twelve soldiers embraced martyrdom while 35 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to ISPR, the operations were conducted between September 10 and 13 based on intelligence reports.
In the first operation in Bajaur, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on confirmed reports of terrorist presence. During the exchange of fire, 22 Indian-sponsored militants were eliminated.
In another encounter in South Waziristan, 13 terrorists were neutralized by the security forces. However, during the fierce gun battle, 12 soldiers of Pakistan Army made the ultimate sacrifice.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who were said to be actively involved in numerous terrorist activities across the region.
ISPR further revealed that intelligence reports had “unequivocally confirmed” the involvement of Afghan nationals in these acts, stressing that the continued use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij terrorists against Pakistan remains a matter of grave concern.
“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the statement said.
Sanitization operations are currently underway to clear the area of any remaining terrorists. ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorism, adding that such sacrifices of brave soldiers only strengthen the nation’s resolve.
Earlier, security forces also conducted an IBO in Mastung, Balochistan, targeting a terrorist hideout. During the operation, four Indian-sponsored terrorists linked to cross-border networks were killed. A cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered from the site, highlighting the militants’ operational capacity.
