ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday lauded the security forces for a sucessful operation, killing seven terrorists of Indian sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij in Sherani district of Balochistan.
In a statement, he said the government will not let the elements succeed, who want to harm the integrity of Pakistan.
The President said the people and armed forces of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder for the complete eradication of terrorism.
He said the youth who thwarted the designs of anti-state elements are heroes of the nation.
In a separate statement, Shehbaz Sharif said the government and the security forces are determined to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Earlier today, the ISPR said in a statement that the security forces killed at least seven militants linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation in Sherani district of Balochistan.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces launched the raid on the basis of intelligence and engaged the militants in a fierce gun battle. Seven fighters were killed in the exchange of fire.
The ISPR said the slain militants belonged to Fitna al Khawarij, a group accused of carrying out sabotage and unrest in Pakistan with Indian support, including attacks on civilians and security forces.
Troops searched the area after the clash and recovered heavy weapons, ammunition and communication equipment. Security officials said the militants were linked to elements that had previously carried out attacks in the region.
The army’s spokesperson said operations against Indian-sponsored groups will continue “until peace and stability are fully restored.”
Local residents in Sherani and nearby areas welcomed the operation, according to security sources, and expressed relief over the elimination of the militants.
Earlier on Wednesday, the forces also carried out an operation in Sherani, killing eight Khawarij. According to the ISPR, the forces killed 21 terrorists in Balochistan that day, including 10 on the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital.
