Security forces have foiled a plot to attack a polio team and killed five terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, including a key commander, during successful intelligence-based operations in Khyber and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to media reports, security sources said that security forces carried out an important and timely operation in the sensitive Chapri area of Khyber district.
During the operation, a highly wanted terrorist commander was killed. He was identified as Musharraf alias Abu Dujana Khyberi.
According to sources, the commander was lying in wait to attack a polio team engaged in administering drops to children in the area when security forces foiled his nefarious designs.
It has been learnt that a three-day anti-polio campaign has been underway in Khyber district for the past three days, during which health workers have been performing their national responsibility of protecting children from disability despite security threats.
Recovery of abducted polio supervisor
Security sources have also revealed that terrorists had abducted a polio supervisor from the Chapri area three days ago, following which serious concerns arose regarding the anti-polio campaign and the safety of workers in the area.
However, following local-level negotiations and diplomatic efforts, the abducted supervisor was safely recovered. Immediately afterwards, forces traced the terrorists and killed the key commander.
Operation in Bannu and recovery of heavy weapons
Operations against Fitna al-Khawarij terrorism are also continuing at full pace in another important district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bannu. Security forces killed another four terrorists during a successful intelligence-based operation in Bannu.
A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and modern military equipment was recovered from the possession of the killed terrorists. Immediately after the incident, the area was cordoned off, and search and clearance operations are underway amid fears of the presence of other potential terrorists.
Strategy against terrorism
Targeting polio teams and abducting local staff has long been a tactic used by terrorist organisations in the tribal and southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In the past, cowardly attacks have also been carried out against polio workers and police and security personnel deployed to protect them in attempts to sabotage anti-polio campaigns. Despite all these challenges, the forces remain committed to restoring law and order in the province and ensuring the smooth conduct of the national polio campaign.
The successful security operations carried out one after another in two different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are a clear demonstration of the practical effectiveness of the national vision, ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, and the intelligence capabilities of the forces.
At a time when terrorist networks are attempting to blackmail the state by spreading fear and panic among citizens and public health workers, the killing of a senior commander like Abu Dujana Khyberi is a major blow to the structure of terrorist organisations.
The simultaneous and timely operations in Bannu and Khyber indicate that the forces are not merely adopting a defensive approach but are also foiling attacks in advance through their intelligence network and taking an offensive approach.
This sustainable progress will not only provide protection to the global anti-polio effort but will also further strengthen the ongoing national commitment to establishing lasting peace in the province and eliminating extremists.
