Officials of Punjab Rangers. Photo: File

RAWALPINDI: Two ?terrorists? who were planning an attack on Youm-e-Ali processions and events (on Saturday) were killed in a targeted operation in Dera Ghazi Khan, the Inter Services Public Relations said on Friday.

The ISPR claimed a major terrorist incident was averted in the intelligence-based action taken by officials of the Punjab Rangers as part of Operation Raddul Fasaad.

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Meanwhile, three suspected terrorists managed to flee after police launched a search operation in Rawalpindi?s Chak Beli road.

SHO Basharat Abbasi said the ?terrorists? left behind three hand grenades and explosives, adding that their plan was to attack a grid station in the city.

A team of the bomb disposal squad was called in to defuse the grenades and explosives. 

On February 22 this year, the army launched a nationwide operation titled 'Radd-ul-Fasaad', which would include wide security and counter-terrorism operations in Punjab and the continuation of ongoing operations across the country.

According to the ISPR Director-General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, the operation?s aims include the elimination of the residual and latent threat of terrorism, consolidating gains of operations made so far and ensuring the security of Pakistan?s borders.

Raddul Fasaad continuation of previous operation: COAS

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS highlighted the endeavours of Pakistan against the forces of disorder and terror, over the last many years

The operation will entail conduct of broad spectrum security and counter-terrorism operations by Rangers in Punjab, continuation of ongoing operations across the country and focus on more effective border security management, said the ISPR.

The operation will also include a countrywide deweaponisation and explosive control as additional cardinals of the effort. The hallmark of this operation will be pursuance of the National Action Plan, it was stated further.

The decision came after Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa held a high-level security meeting in Lahore.