State writ restored, says Gen Bajwa

Addresses soldiers in Khyber Agency; appreciates effective border security arrangements; nine terrorists killed in Wah, Kurram Agency operations

KHYBER AGENCY: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday said the writ of the state had largely been restored and now ‘we are progressing towards enduring peace and stability.’

Gen Bajwa spent a day with troops deployed along the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Agency, the ISPR said in a statement released to the media. The COAS was briefed on the operational preparedness and improved border security measures, including employment of the newly-raised FC KP Wings. The COAS appreciated effective border security arrangements, which have enhanced control on cross-border terrorist movement.

He also hailed exceptionally-high morale of the troops and their undaunted determination to eliminate terrorism. Talking to the soldiers, General Bajwa said our nation supports us due to our innumerable sacrifices we have made for defence and security of our motherland.

Earlier, on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt and IGFC KP. Our Peshawar Bureau adds: Nine terrorists were killed during the security forces’ operations conducted in the Wah Cantonment and Gandawazawa area of Kurram Agency.

Official sources on Monday said security forces and militants exchanged fire in the Gandawazawa area in central part of Kurram Agency in which seven terrorists were killed. The security forces launched a massive search operation backed by gunship helicopters soon after the incident.   

APP adds: Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) killed two terrorists during a search operation in Pindi Mallhi area falling in the limits of Wah Saddar Police Station in the wee hours of Monday. A contingent of LEAs was conducting a search operation when terrorists, who had taken refuge at a house, opened fire on them.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, terrorists Sifatullah and Muhammad Abbas were killed, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Taxila Circle Sajid Gondal said. The LEAs also claimed to have recovered arms and ammunition, including a suicide vest, four grenades, a Kalashnikov with 25 rounds, a 30 bore pistol with seven rounds.  

PPI adds: Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) arrested seven suspects, including two Afghan nationals, from Jhangi Sayyedan and Muhammadi Colony in Islamabad on Monday. A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from them. Meanwhile, 59 suspects were also arrested during search operations in Mardan and Peshawar on Monday. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.