ISLAMABAD: Four militants were killed during separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in northwestern Pakistan this week, the military’s media wing said in a statement on Thursday amid surging militant attacks in the country.
The counterterror operations were conducted on the night of June 3 and 4, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The first operation was conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district where two “Indian-sponsored Fitna-Al-Khawarij” militants were killed during an exchange of fire.
“Another intelligence-based operation was conducted by security forces in Mohmand District,” the ISPR said. “In ensuing skillful engagement, two more khwarij were effectively neutralized.”
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were involved in numerous “terrorist” activities in the area.
Pakistan’s military uses the term “Fitna-Al-Khwarij” to describe the Pakistani Taliban or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants. The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against security forces personnel and civilians since 2007 in Pakistan.
The military said security forces are carrying out sanitization operations in the area to hunt any other militants.
Pakistan blames India for supporting the TTP and other militant outfits that carry out attacks inside its territory. It also accuses Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to these militant groups.
India and Afghanistan both deny the allegations, urging Pakistan to solve its security challenges internally.
