Peshawar: Security forces have killed 13 members of the Khwarij, linked to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij, during five separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a press release issued by Radio Pakistan. The operations were part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at eliminating threats along the nation’s borders.

According to ISPR, the operations were intelligence-driven and high-tempo, targeting specific locations in various districts. In Bajaur District, security forces engaged Khwarij elements, resulting in the deaths of five individuals after an exchange of fire. Similar encounters in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan Districts led to the neutralization of three more Khwarij members. Additional operations in Khyber and South Waziristan Districts concluded with the elimination of five more individuals.

The operations also resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition from the killed Khwarij, who were reportedly involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region. Ongoing sanitization efforts aim to locate and eliminate any remaining threats.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have commended the security forces for their successful efforts. President Zardari highlighted the professionalism of the forces in executing operations across multiple districts, while Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of these operations in maintaining national peace and security. Both leaders reiterated the nation’s support for the armed forces in their continued fight against terrorism.