RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces have killed four terrorists, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deputy leader Amjad Mazahim who carried a bounty of Rs5 million during an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur District, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.
According to ISPR, the operation took place overnight between October 29 and 30, when troops detected a group of militants attempting to infiltrate Pakistan through the Pak Afghan border. The security forces swiftly engaged the group, killing four terrorists on the spot, including Amjad alias Mazahim, who was regarded as the second-in-command to TTP chief Noor Wali.
Amjad was also the head of the group’s Rehbari Shura and considered a high-value target by law enforcement agencies. He was involved in several deadly terrorist attacks inside Pakistan while reportedly operating from Afghanistan, ISPR stated.
The military’s media wing said the slain commander was part of an Indian-backed network known as Fitna al-Khwarij, which continues to attempt infiltration into Pakistan to create a false perception of domestic presence and boost the morale of their dwindling fighters in Bajaur and Mohmand districts.
ISPR emphasized that this incident reaffirms Pakistan’s long-standing position that Afghan soil is still being used by TTP and its affiliates to launch terror activities against Pakistan. The statement urged the interim Afghan government to take practical steps to ensure its territory is not used for cross-border terrorism.
A sanitisation operation is now underway in the area to clear out any remaining militants as part of the ongoing counter-terrorism drive “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved under the National Action Plan.
ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain steadfast and determined to defend the nation’s borders and completely eradicate foreign sponsored terrorism from the country.
