Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, on Friday, reaffirmed the commitment of the security forces to “comprehensively defeat hostile terrorist nexus and eliminate illegal activities,” according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). His remarks came during a visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district, where he met with troops involved in recent counter-terrorism operations in the Tirah Valley.
During the visit, General Munir was briefed on the overall security situation, intelligence-based counter-terrorism efforts, and the multi-pronged strategy aimed at ensuring stability in the newly merged districts of the region. The army chief expressed his appreciation for the troops’ high morale and readiness to respond to any threats, reiterating the army’s resolve to fully defeat terrorist networks.
In his address to the officers and troops, General Munir paid tribute to the sacrifices made by martyrs from the army and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). He emphasized that the peace achieved through the nation’s sacrifices would be preserved at all costs. “The sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen our determination to fight with utmost dedication and a spirit of sacrifice,” he stated.
The COAS also commended the contributions of the police and LEAs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and assured them of the Pakistan Army’s unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the capacity of LEAs, particularly in the newly merged districts. He noted that continued efforts are necessary to maintain the hard-earned peace in the region. General Munir also highlighted the crucial role of the local population in assisting security forces, noting that their cooperation is essential for sustaining peace.
Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist activities in the last year, especially in KP and Balochistan. The surge followed the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. A recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies revealed that 2023 saw a record six-year high in violence-related fatalities. The report documented 1,524 deaths and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations across the country. KP and Balochistan remained the most affected areas, accounting for over 90 percent of fatalities and 84 percent of attacks.
Last month, security forces killed at least 25 militants in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Tirah Valley of the Khyber district. The operations dealt significant blows to the TTP and its affiliates, according to the ISPR. Among the 25 militants killed, a key leader named Abuzar, alias Saddam, was also eliminated. In addition to the fatalities, 11 militants were injured during the operations. However, the success of these operations came at a cost, as four soldiers embraced martyrdom during the operations.
These ongoing counter-terrorism efforts reflect Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region. General Munir’s visit to the troops in the frontlines further demonstrates the military’s dedication to supporting both the security forces and the local population in maintaining peace in the face of increasing terror threats.
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