According to the Pakistan Army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the joint operation in Bannu was launched based on credible intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists. During the mission, security forces effectively targeted the militants’ hideout, leading to a major success.
The ISPR confirmed that 8 of these Indian-backed operatives were killed, and a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from their possession. The killed militants were known to be involved in numerous terrorist activities.
The ISPR stated that synchronized operations by the forces and law enforcement agencies have been intensified. Efforts are ongoing to restrict the movement of these terrorists and dismantle their entire network. This counter-terrorism campaign is proceeding at full speed under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to completely eliminate externally supported terrorism from the country.
Read more: 17 militants, including key commanders, eliminated
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the security forces for the successful joint intelligence-based operation against the Indian-backed militants in Bannu. Both leaders commended the courage and determination of the troops for bringing the eight foreign-backed troublemakers to justice.
President Zardari emphasized that integrated actions against militants are strengthening national security, and eliminating the networks of organized, Indian-backed terrorists remains the foremost national priority for the survival of the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif added that under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, security forces are achieving great victories against terrorism, and the entire nation stands firmly with the Armed Forces in this war.
The immediate and robust confirmation from the highest political offices following this successful strike suggests high-level intelligence coordination and political resolve. Experts view the mention of "Indian-backed" terrorism as a deliberate message, indicating that Pakistan is determined to target and neutralize all elements destabilizing the country, regardless of their external support.
