Islamabad: Nine terrorists were killed and eight others apprehended during a joint intelligence based operation in Malakand District.According to ISPR, the joint operation was conducted by the Security Forces along with Police, Levies, Counter Terrorism Department and District Administration in Malakand District, on reported presence of terrorists. The operation concluded on Sunday.During the conduct of operation, spread over four days, own forces skillfully surrounded and effectively engaged the terrorist location.Two hideouts used by terrorists were also busted and a large quantity of weapons ammunition and explosives was recovered. Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to the State's counter terrorism efforts.Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan, in step with the nation, are determined to wipe out the terrorism from the country.Meanwhile four terrorists were killed by the security forces during an intelligence based operation in Kalat District of Balochistan, on reported presence of terrorists.During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists' location, and after an intense fire exchange, four terrorists were sent to hell.Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipeout the menace of terrorism from the country, and reaffirm the nation's unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice.Meanwhile President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations against terrorists, in which nine terrorists were killed in Malakand district and four in Kalat District.In separate statements issued on Sunday, both leaders affirmed that the entire nation stands firmly with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated his resolve to pursue the terrorists until the very end.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also affirmed his commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism.Meanwhile Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has paid tribute to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police for thwarting a terrorist attack by the terrorists on the Baka Khel police station.Mohsin Naqvi praised the professional capabilities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, stating that they bravely confronted the terrorists and successfully repelled the attack. The police gave a strong and effective response to the assailants and foiled their nefarious plans.He further added that the brave officers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have previously also repelled attacks by terrorists. "I congratulate the entire police team for thwarting the evil intentions of these terrorists," he said. "We are proud of the courageous sons of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police."