Pakistan’s security forces killed nine militants belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al Khawarij, during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Sunday.
According to the ISPR, the first operation was carried out in Dera Ismail Khan after intelligence reports pointed to the presence of terrorists in the area. Security forces engaged the militants in a fierce exchange of fire, killing four Khawarij operatives who were actively involved in terrorist activities. Weapons and ammunition were recovered, and a sanitisation operation is ongoing to clear the area of any remaining threats.
In a separate IBO in Bannu, security forces neutralised five more Khawarij militants. The ISPR said these individuals were involved in attacks against law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and civilians.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Cross-border militancy has strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to clashes along the border in October.
Earlier this week, Islamabad summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission to convey serious concerns over the presence and support of militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Khwarij Gul Bahadur Group on Afghan soil.
The Foreign Office strongly condemned recent attacks on Pakistani military installations and civilians, warning that continued facilitation of terrorist groups from across the border poses a grave threat to national security. Pakistan reiterated that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens.
