Shafaqna Pakistan: Six Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation carried out by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Lakki Marwat on Saturday.
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported that the CTD neutralized members of Fitna-al-Khawarij—a term used by the state for militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—who were linked to the martyrdom of seven police personnel during an attack on Friday.
A significant cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the operation.
The operation follows an incident in which at least seven police officers, including the station house officer of Shadi Khel Police Station, were killed when an improvised explosive device targeted a police mobile in Lakki Marwat.
President Asif Ali Zardari commended the CTD officers and personnel for carrying out the operation in the Shagai area of Lakki Marwat.
In a statement issued by the President Secretariat’s media wing, he praised the “bravery, professionalism and timely action” of the CTD team that eliminated six militants.
“The operations against the terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij, who are active with external support, are very significant for peace in the country,” the president said.
He added that the state was confronting both internal and external threats of terrorism with full force.
“Any attempt to target Pakistan’s urban areas will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions were fully prepared and determined to defend the country and protect its people.
President Zardari said Pakistan would continue to take every possible step to safeguard its territory and citizens from terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the CTD personnel for the operation.
In a statement, he praised the professional capabilities of CTD officers for killing six militants during the operation.
“The entire nation stands by the security forces and law enforcement agencies in their determination to eradicate terrorism,” the prime minister said.
Source: Express Tribune
