ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 12 Indian-backed terrorists during an intelligence base operation in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday.
“On the night 23/24 July 2026, a cowardly terrorist attack was carried out on a Joint Police Check Post in Tank District by Khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij,” it said in a statement.
The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used to refer to the banned terrorist groups, most prominently the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group.
Resolute response of security forces
It said the assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security forces.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating twelve khwarij,” ISPR said.
It added that in their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall.
“Due to the blast impact, infrastructure at the check post was seriously damaged; resultantly, fifteen brave sons of the soil, including twelve military, two policemen, and a government official ex forest department, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom,” ISPR said.
Sanitisation operation underway
A sanitisation operation is ongoing to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorist found in the vicinity, and the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan remain committed to eradicating the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, it said.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the ISPR said.
Cross-border terrorism
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border terror incidents since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban regime to take action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
However, the Taliban regime failed to take any action against terror groups and prevent Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan.
