95 percent objective of Operation Khyber-4 achieved: DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD: The armed forces have achieved 95 per cent objective of the Operation Khyber-4, launched under Operation Raddul Fasaad  in the Rajgal valley of Khyber Agency, said Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, director general of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Speaking to ARY News, he said the recently launched operation was one of the most difficult operations due to the rough and tough terrain of the valley. The operation is progressing successfully and nearing its completion with minimal causalities in the ground forces, he added.

Gen Ghafoor said he would soon announce the completion of the operation in a press conference in next few days.

“Operation Radd ul Fasaad is different from other operations since the previously carried out operations aimed at physically clearing the areas infested with terrorists and militants. We had earlier cleared all the areas expect for Shawal and Rajgal Valley areas where the operation has been launched of late.”

This intelligence-based operation (IBO) is aimed at targeting terrorists’ hideouts, their facilitators and abettors across the country. “It is like you are looking for a needle in a haystack.” He said it is hard to identify those terrorists who disguise themselves as common citizens.

Gen Ghafoor said four personnel of the Pakistan Army, a major among them, lost their lives while attempting to foil a terrorist attack. “The terrorist were planning to target Malakand division or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas on the eve of the Independence Day. Terrorists had come from Afghanistan and were hiding in Sherotkai area of Timergara in Upper Dir some 40 kilometers from Afghanistan.”

He said the army is proud of its martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Gen Ghafoor said that Operation Radd ul Fasaad was a comprehensive approach to fight terrorism with contribution of all institutions. Pakistan is heading towards a state where citizens would feel safe and there would be the rule of law, he added.