RAWALPINDI: At least two terrorists, including the ringleader Ayubullah, also known as Mansoor, were killed by security forces during an operation conducted on the night spanning February 5 and 6 in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to a statement released by the military’s media wing on Tuesday, the operation was based on intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists.
“During the operation, a fierce exchange of fire occurred between our troops and the terrorists, resulting in the demise of two terrorists, including the ringleader Ayubullah @ Mansoor,” the statement noted.
The ISPR disclosed that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also seized from the deceased terrorists who were actively engaged in various terrorist activities, including targeted killings, extortion, and abduction of innocent civilians.
“A thorough cleansing operation is underway to ensure there are no other terrorists in the area,” stated the armed forces’ media wing.
The military emphasized the appreciation received from locals for their efforts in ensuring security and protection in the district, including the Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO), and their expressed support in eradicating the threat of terrorism.
As Pakistan approaches the pivotal general elections scheduled for February 8, concerns persist regarding the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in KP and Balochistan, where the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has identified numerous polling stations as sensitive.
In a separate incident, ten policemen were killed, and six others injured in an attack on a police station in Dera Ismail Khan district of KP during the late hours.
There has been a notable increase in attacks in Pakistani districts bordering Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power there in 2021.
Pakistan accuses Kabul of harboring allied militants like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allowing them to carry out attacks on Pakistani soil with impunity.
According to statistics released by the Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs KP, the areas most affected by terrorism last year included Peshawar, Khyber, Bajaur, and Tank, with Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan also witnessing incidents of terrorism.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
