ISLAMABAD: In a major counter-terrorism success, Pakistan’s security forces killed 30 terrorists linked to the recent Orakzai attack that claimed the lives of 11 personnel, including two officers, according to the military’s media wing on Friday.
The original incident took place on Tuesday night in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district during an intelligence-based operation targeting the presence of “Indian proxy Fitna Al Khawarij” — a term now officially used for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following a government directive in July.
In that operation, 19 India-sponsored militants were killed, but the country also lost 11 brave personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat, in a fierce exchange of fire.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that subsequent retribution operations were launched to track down those responsible. “All 30 India-sponsored khawarij involved in the terrorist incident have been sent to hell,” the ISPR said, referring to an intense gun battle in the Jamal Maya area based on credible intelligence.
“These successful operations have avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrators to justice,” the statement added, noting that sanitisation efforts were ongoing to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the region.
The ISPR reiterated the army’s commitment to eradicating India-sponsored terrorism from Pakistani soil, stating that the sacrifices of the martyred officers would not go in vain.
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the security forces’ swift and decisive action. In a statement via the PPP’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), he lauded the courage of the troops and honoured the sacrifices of Lieutenant Colonel Tariq and Major Rahat.
“The brave sons of the soil have written history by sacrificing their lives for the protection of the motherland. Continuous successes against terrorism reflect our unshakable resolve,” the president stated.
The Orakzai retribution marks a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region and a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism in all its forms.
