QUETTA: Security forces killed 15 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the border area of Zhob district on Tuesday when they were entering the Sambaza area from Afghanistan, the military’s media wing said.

During the heavy exchange of fire, a soldier embraced martyrdom.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the operation was conducted in the general area of Sambaza in Zhob. It added that during the operation, security forces effectively targeted the Khawarij location, killing 15 terrorists.

The government in July designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan as Fitna al Khawarij, mandating all institutions to use the term Khariji when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered from the deceased armed men. During the firefight, Sepoy Arifur Rehman, 32, a resident of Mansehra, embraced martyrdom.

A sanitisation operation is being conducted to neutralise any other militant present in the area.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024