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251 Pak security personnel die in anti-militant operation: Army

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, May 21, IRNA
Pakistan-Army
A total of 251 Pakistani security personnel have been killed and some 550 injured during operation against foreign militants in the tribal region, launched in March last year, a top military general said on Saturday.

"There is total commitment on part of Pakistan to root out terrorism no matter how much it cost us, and testimony to the fact was that 251 security personnel sacrificed their lives and around 550 sustained injuries," Corps Commander Lieutenant General Safdar Hussain said in Peshawar.

"The security forces had been able to destroy the command and control of terrorists and busted their bases in Waziristan," Hussain told Afghanistan-based defense attaches of various countries, a military statement said.

The security forces killed 306 terrorists which included over 150 foreigners besides apprehending 703 terrorists in 48 military operations, he added.

The defense attaches from United states, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Turkey, UNAMA, Kazakhstan, Poland and China were briefed about the role played by Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism with particular reference to the military operations in Waziristan Agencies, according to the statement.

The corps commander said that with deployment of more than 70,000 troops and establishment of 669 posts along the border with Afghanistan, it was now 'impossible for the terrorists to launch cross border attacks'.

He said there would be no let up in war against militants and the operations would continue till last terrorist was arrested or killed.

"These operations were necessary for the country's security.

"Pakistan as a frontline state in the war against global terrorism enjoyed enviable and unmatched record as it has achieved considerable success in the fight against terrorist organizations," Hussain said.

The general talking to the defense attaches said that stability of Afghanistan is the stability of Pakistan and vice versa and that was the reason the Pakistan fully supported the Bonn Agreement.

"Being signatory to the UN conventions on counter terrorism, Pakistan would play its role to eradicate the menace.

"The Defense Attaches said that terrorism was a global phenomenon which transcended geographical boundaries posing serious challenge to the peace of the world," the statement added.

"International community holds the counter terrorism contributions of Pakistan Army in high esteem and it deserved all commendation for making the region a safer place," they said.

"The World Community greatly value the sacrifices rendered by troops of security forces in combating terrorism. The way Pakistan Army dealt with the terrorists is incredible and is living example for world armies to follow," they were quoted as saying.

AHM/TSH/2322/1432
::IRNA No.052 21/05/2005 17:58 --End