Security forces killed four terrorists affiliated with the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's media wing said on Thursday.
Details of the Operations
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district following reports of terrorist presence. After an intense exchange of fire, two khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell, the statement said.
The ISPR said security forces also carried out another IBO in Mohmand district. In ensuing skilful engagement, two more khwarij were effectively neutralised, it added.
Recoveries and Follow-up Operations
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as a relentless counter terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm e Istehkam' (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, the ISPR said.
Leadership Appreciation
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for carrying out the successful IBOs. The prime minister described the operation as commendable. He reiterated that operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue until the menace of terrorism was completely eradicated. The nation values the sacrifices rendered by its brave armed forces and security institutions, he said.
The prime minister vowed to foil every conspiracy against Pakistan's peace, stability and security, adding that there was no place in the country for terrorist elements and their facilitators. He said the government and security institutions remained determined to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for successfully carrying out the operations. Lauding the professionalism of the security forces, he paid them tribute for foiling the nefarious designs of the terrorists.
Counterterrorism Landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
K-P remains a key focus of the country's counterterrorism efforts, with security forces regularly conducting IBOs against militants. The province witnessed a significant rise in militant violence last year, with more than 500 attacks reported, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year. According to a security assessment obtained by The Express Tribune, K-P recorded 1,588 terrorism-related incidents, underscoring the growing militant threat across both settled and tribal districts.
Despite the increase in attacks, security forces reportedly thwarted 320 major strikes, while 137 police personnel were killed in the line of duty. The report said joint operations by the K-P Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies led to the arrest of 1,244 suspected militants, while 420 militants were killed in intelligence-based operations.
Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Hangu and Peshawar were among the districts most affected by militant violence, with the report noting a pattern of attacks allegedly planned and launched from across the Afghan border. The CTD report also recorded a 56% increase in attacks targeting police personnel, rising from 327 in 2024 to 510 in 2025. During the year, security agencies conducted 2,791 search operations and identified 25 foreign militant operatives, while extortion networks operating in Peshawar and other districts were dismantled, according to the report.
