ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 12 soldiers in South Waziristan, killed in clashes with militants associated with Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Zardari paid tribute to the troops, saying their sacrifice had strengthened the nation’s resolve against terrorism.
The president voiced concern over the use of Afghan territory by militants and urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its soil from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
He reiterated that Pakistan would not be cowed by violence and vowed to defeat militant groups and their sponsors.
Earlier today, the Pakistan Army said it killed 35 militants associated with the Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 10 and 13.
“On reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in Bajaur District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, twenty two Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell”, read the statement issued by the Pakistan Army media affairs wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Saturday.
In a separate clash in South Waziristan, security forces killed 13 more militants. Twelve soldiers fought fiercely before embracing martyrdom during the engagement, it added.
Troops recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain fighters, who had been involved in multiple terrorist attacks in the region. Intelligence assessments confirmed the role of Afghan nationals in these activities, raising concerns about the continued use of Afghan soil by militants.
Pakistan has called on the interim Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist operations against Pakistan.
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Officials said security forces are carrying out sanitization operations to eliminate remaining militants in the area. “The sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan,” the military said.
