The number of terrorists and their associates surrendering to troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has risen by 213 per cent in the past week, the military has said.
The increase followed sustained offensive operations targeting terrorist positions, logistics networks and supply routes across the North-East Theatre of Operations.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, the intensified operations have continued to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist elements and restrict their freedom of movement across the theatre.
Goni disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops on Wednesday, bringing with them arms, ammunition and other military items.
He said the surrender and recovery of the weapons further indicated the impact of sustained military pressure on the cohesion, morale and operational capacity of terrorist groups.
In a related development, several other terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on August 7 at New Abaram, following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave.
The surrendering terrorists were screened, while mobile phones and other items were recovered from them before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.
The military said the growing frequency of surrenders reflected the cumulative impact of offensive ground operations, precision engagements and the disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.
It added that by denying terrorists the ability to manoeuvre, regroup and replenish their supplies, troops were gradually undermining their capacity and willingness to sustain terrorist activities.
Operation HADIN KAI, the military said, would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements while providing appropriate channels for those willing to surrender.
The Theatre Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies and encouraged terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and make use of available surrender channels.
