16 TTP terrorists neutralised in Punjab, K-P
Police, CTD launch joint action in Mianwali district
At least 16 terrorists belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in separate operations by the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the security forces in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Monday.
The Punjab police said that at least 10 terrorists were killed and several others injured in a joint police-CTD operation in the Makarwal area of the Mianwali district. Hours later, the military said, that six terrorists were killed in two Intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Waziristan region of K-P.
According to the Mianwali police, a joint operation was initiated two days ago on the reported presence of 20 to 30 terrorists in the hilly area of Mullakhel, adjacent to the Karak district, in the jurisdiction of the Makarwal police station.
They said that the police, CTD and Rangers contingents, led by Mianwali District Police Officer (DPO) Akhtar Farooq and joined by the Sargodha Range Police Officer (RPO) Shahzad Asif Khan, surrounded the terrorists and engaged them in intermittent fire exchanges.
As a result, according to a statement issued by the Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 10 terrorists were killed, adding that there were reports of injuries to more terrorists. The source said that further police action against the terrorists was under way.
During these fire exchanges, the Punjab Police spokesperson said, a local man was injured in the leg and was shifted to a local hospital. It added that all the officers and personnel of the police and the CTD remained unharmed.
Security in Mianwali and surrounding areas has been enhanced following the operation. Officials confirmed that the operation would continue to ensure complete elimination of terrorist networks operating in the region.
Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar lauded the Mianwali police on their “brilliant success” against the terrorists. “The Punjab police are on alert the nefarious plans of the terrorists will be crushed,” the Punjab police chief said.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to Punjab Police and the CTD for eliminating 10 terrorists in Makarwal and sent her best wishes for them. “The brave sons of Punjab Police are our pride,” she said.
