12 terrorists killed as security forces foil attack in Bajaur: ISPR

Twelve terrorists were killed and 11 security personnel martyred on Monday when security forces foiled a terrorist attack on a joint security forces and law enforcement agencies check post in Bajaur district, according to the military’s media wing.

Bajaur Attack Foiled, Security Forces Respond

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the attackers, identified as belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), attempted to breach the check post’s security. Troops engaged the assailants, eliminating 12 of them as they attempted to flee.

Fitna al-Khawarij is the term used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The ISPR stated that the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the check post’s perimeter wall. The resulting blast caused parts of the infrastructure to collapse, leading to the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.

The explosion also damaged nearby residential buildings, killing one young girl and injuring seven others, including women and children, the ISPR said.

Sanitisation operations are underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants. Officials stated that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Condemnation from Leadership

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in Bajaur. He offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families, describing the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the country’s defence as a reinforcement of Pakistan’s resolve.

Zardari emphasised that the complete eradication of externally-backed terrorism from the country remains a top priority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attempted terrorist attack. He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 11 security personnel and one innocent civilian, offering prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and conveying condolences to their families. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.

The prime minister noted that 12 terrorists involved in the attack were neutralised, praising the armed forces for achieving successes against terrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision. He affirmed the nation’s support for Pakistan’s forces in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate all forms of terrorism.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the suicide attack on an FC check post in the Malangi area of Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district. He described the martyrdom of security personnel and the young girl as tragic and directed rescue agencies to carry out immediate relief operations.

Afridi said efforts were being intensified to retrieve individuals trapped under the rubble, adding that the provincial government stood in solidarity with the families of the martyrs. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism, stating that it is a collective challenge for the entire country and operations against hostile elements would be accelerated.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised Pakistan’s security forces for foiling the terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij. He expressed deep condolences for the 11 martyred security personnel and commended their courage for thwarting the terrorists’ designs.

“The heroic sacrifices of our martyrs will never be forgotten,” Naqvi said, adding that the nation would always honour the memory of those who laid down their lives defending the country.