Pakistan’s security forces have achieved a significant victory in the fight against terrorism, killing nine Indian-backed militants and arresting eight others in a five-day intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand district. The joint operation, conducted from July 16 to 20, involved the military, police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Levies, and local administration.
Terrorist Hideouts Busted, Weapons Seized
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces effectively surrounded and engaged the terrorists, leading to intense fire exchanges. Two militant hideouts were destroyed, and a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was recovered. The ISPR noted that local residents expressed strong support for the operation, reaffirming public trust in state-led counter-terrorism efforts.
Leadership Praises Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for their successful operation. Zardari emphasized the nation’s unity against terrorism, declaring that “terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan will be brought to justice.” PM Shehbaz highlighted the operation as a model of inter-agency coordination, vowing to uproot terrorism completely.
Rising Terrorism Amid Regional Instability
Pakistan has faced escalating militant violence, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Recent data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows a 5% increase in attacks in May 2024, with security personnel casualties rising sharply. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring national security.