ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed at least 13 Indian backed terrorists in two intelligence-based operations carried out over the past two days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
The first operation was launched in the Paharkhel area of Lakki Marwat district following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists associated with Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij.
“Security forces and law-enforcement agencies jointly conducted the raid, during which troops effectively engaged the suspects. An intense exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the killing of 10 terrorists.”
The state uses the term Fitna al Khwarij to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It has also designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. Similarly, the term ‘khwarij’ refers to Indian sponsored terrorists operating from Afghanistan’s territory.
The second intelligence-based operation took place in Dera Ismail (DI) Khan, where security personnel confronted another group of terrorists. Three of them were killed during the exchange of fire, the ISPR said.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead terrorists, who had been involved in multiple attacks targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians.
The ISPR further stated that “sanitisation operations are underway in both districts to clear the area of any remaining terrorists .” The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework — approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — will continue “at full pace” to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The surge in violence comes after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and pledged to resume attacks on security forces, police, and other law enforcement personnel.
