Security forces eliminate 25 terrorists in Tirah Valley

In a series of ongoing intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Tirah valley of Khyber district, Pakistan’s security forces have neutralized at least 25 terrorists, including a key ring leader, according to the military’s media wing on Tuesday. These operations, which began on August 20, have been aimed at dismantling terrorist networks in the region.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that these extensive IBOs targeted militant groups associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as Fitna-Al-Khwarij, as well as Lashkar-e-Islam and Jamat-ul-Ahrar. These militant outfits have been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, contributing to the growing instability.

The military reported significant successes, with the death of 25 militants, including a notorious ring leader, Abuzar aka Saddam. The operations have dealt substantial blows to Fitna-Al-Khwarij and its affiliates, signaling a determined effort by the security forces to eradicate the threat posed by these groups.

Tragically, four soldiers have embraced martyrdom during the operations, sacrificing their lives while fighting valiantly against the terrorists. “The heavy losses inflicted upon Fitna-Al-Khwarij in these operations are a testament to the valor and commitment of security forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR statement added.

In a related incident on August 25, terrorists launched an attack on a security check post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Central Kurram, resulting in the martyrdom of a police officer. Earlier this month, security forces successfully eliminated seven terrorists and wounded five others during an IBO in Kurram district.

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Pakistan has seen a surge in militant activities since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Much of this violence has been concentrated in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to dismantle militant sanctuaries on Afghan soil, from where attacks on Pakistan are allegedly being planned and executed.

The recent wave of violence has claimed numerous lives. A day earlier, Balochistan was rocked by a series of deadly attacks, which left over 50 people dead, including 14 security personnel. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was responsible for the assaults on civilians, police, and security forces. In response, security forces eliminated 21 terrorists and wounded several others in retaliatory action.

In light of the escalating threat, Pakistan’s federal cabinet, in June this year, approved “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign. The operation, launched on the recommendations of the Central Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, aims to root out terrorism and restore stability across the country.