https://arab.news/2ay9c
- The intelligence-based operations were launched in Khyber district on August 20
- Security forces lost four soldiers during the encounters with militants in the area
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 25 militants and injured 11 others in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that have lasted for about a week, an official statement announced on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s restive northwest has experienced a surge in militant attacks since November 2022, when a fragile ceasefire between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued the statement about the encounters with militants just a day after the country saw another wave of separatist violence in southwestern Balochistan, where a series of coordinated attacks claimed over 50 lives within hours.
The government has vowed to take action against armed groups targeting civilians and security forces, with the military continuing its operations to maintain security in the two western provinces.
“Security Forces are conducting extensive Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) in Tirah, Khyber District against … so called Laskar-e-Islam and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar [groups],” the ISPR informed.
“During these daring and highly successful IBOs being conducted since 20 August 2024, Security Forces have so far successfully neutralized twenty-five Khwarij [militants], including … ring leader Abuzar [alias] Saddam,” it continued, adding that 11 militants had also been injured.
The ISPR also mentioned that four Pakistani soldiers also lost their lives in these encounters with the militants.
It added the heavy losses inflicted on militants reflected the valor and commitment of the security forces to eliminate the militant violence from the country.