Operations conducted in Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Khyber districts, reports ISPR
RAWALPINDI: Security forces have successfully killed 30 terrorists during three separate counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Saturday.
According to an ISPR statement, the operations were intelligence-based. The first operation took place in Lakki Marwat district, where security forces engaged terrorists at their hideout, resulting in the deaths of 18 terrorists, while six others were injured.
In Karak district, another operation led to the neutralization of eight terrorists. A third operation in Khyber district’s Bagh area saw the elimination of four terrorists, including two key leaders, Aziz ur Rehman (also known as Qari Ismail) and Mukhlis. Two other terrorists were injured in the clash.
The statement further mentioned that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed militants, who were involved in several terrorist activities targeting security forces and innocent civilians.
The military’s media wing also stated that sanitization operations are ongoing to clear any remaining terrorists from the area, affirming Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.
President and Prime Minister Praise Security Forces
Both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful operations in Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Khyber districts.
In separate statements, President Zardari described the elimination of 30 terrorists as a significant achievement and emphasized the importance of continuing these operations until terrorism is fully eradicated. He praised the dedication of Pakistan’s security forces in their fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed strong support for the forces, reiterating that Pakistan remains committed to eradicating all forms of terrorism. He thanked the security forces for their tireless efforts to protect the nation.
Context of the Operations
These operations are part of a broader effort to combat rising violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.
According to the CRSS Annual Security Report 2024, last year saw the highest number of fatalities in a decade, with 685 deaths among civil and military security forces and 444 terror attacks. The total number of casualties, including civilians and security personnel, reached 1,612, a stark increase from previous years.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the hardest-hit province, with 1,616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan, which saw 782 deaths. In total, Pakistan recorded 2,546 violence-related fatalities in 2024, along with 2,267 injuries, resulting from 1,166 terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations.
The year 2024 marked a grim period for Pakistan’s security, with November being the deadliest month for both civilians and security forces alike.
