Security Forces Kill 13 Terrorists in Operations in Bannu and Kurram

**Islamabad:** Pakistan’s security forces killed 13 terrorists during two intelligence-based operations carried out on January 13 and 14 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts of Bannu and Kurram, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The ISPR stated that acting on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists linked to the Indian proxy group Fitna-al-Khawarij, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Bannu. During the operation, the forces effectively targeted a terrorist hideout, and after an intense exchange of fire, eight terrorists were neutralized.

In a separate intelligence-based operation in Kurram district, security forces engaged the militants in a gunfight and killed five more terrorists.

The ISPR added that clearance and search operations are ongoing in the areas to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists.

Under the National Action Plan and the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” approved by the Federal Apex Committee, the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism operations until terrorism sponsored by foreign elements is completely eradicated. Security forces, the ISPR said, will continue their actions at all costs to uproot the menace of terrorism from the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for killing the 13 terrorists, saying that under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the forces are achieving major successes against terrorism. He said the entire nation stands with Pakistan’s armed forces in this fight and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country.