ISPR says high-value target Gul Yousaf killed in intelligence-based operation
- The forces carried out the operation on the night of January 4-5: ISPR.
- Terrorist commander involved in terrorist activities against forces.
- The government fixed a principal money of Rs 2.5 crore in HVT.
RAWALPINDI: Security forces shot dead two terrorists, including a militant commander, in an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district, the army’s media wing said in a statement on Friday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces carried out the operation on the night of January 4 to 5 after the presence of terrorists in the area was reported.
“During the operation, after an intense exchange of fire, two terrorists, including HVT (high value target) Gul Yousaf, also known as Toor, were sent to hell,” the ISPR said.
The statement added that terrorist Yousaf remains actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces, including high-profile terrorist attacks in Tank and DI Khan districts, as well as extortion and targeted killing of innocent civilians.
“He was highly wanted by law enforcement agencies and the government had allocated a sum of Rs 2.5 million to him,” the ISPR said.
Local people appreciate the efforts of security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the area, adding that Pakistani security forces, in tune with the nation, remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
“Disturbing increase in suicide attacks”
In 2023, Pakistan saw a disturbing rise in suicide attacks by terrorists, reaching the highest level since 2014.
Data collected by the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicated that security forces remained the main targets of these terrorist attacks, with civilians being the second largest category of victims.
At least 48% of the deaths (157) and 58% of the injuries (340) were inflicted on security personnel, according to the data. The number of civilian casualties was closer to these statistics with 130 dead and 242 wounded.
Based on regional comparisons, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the worst affected by these attacks, reporting 23 cases resulting in 254 deaths and 512 injuries.
Within KP, the newly merged districts (NMD) suffered 13 suicide attacks, resulting in 85 deaths and 206 injuries. Balochistan faced five attacks, resulting in 67 deaths and 52 injuries, while Sindh witnessed a suicide attack resulting in eight deaths and 18 injuries.
