ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed nine militants, including four key commanders of Fitna al-Khawarij, during intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, according to security sources.
The operations were conducted in the areas of Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri in North Waziristan, targeting hideouts and positions of Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to security sources, the four key commanders killed in the operations were identified as Khariji Khalid Raza, Khariji Kamran, Khariji Musa and Khariji Maftoom.
A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the militants, while several militant hideouts were destroyed during the operations, the sources said.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for the successful operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in North Waziristan.
In a statement, the president said the elimination of nine militants, including four key commanders, reflected the professionalism, courage and capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces.
Zardari said every conspiracy by the militants’ foreign sponsors and their local facilitators would be thwarted.
He further said operations against Fitna al-Khawarij under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.