RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 13 “Indian backed” terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing stated on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an operation in the Mohmand district on the reported presence of the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij.
In Pakistan, the term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the government and military to refer to extremist and banned terrorist organisations, most prominently the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“During the conduct of operation, our troops effectively engaged the khawarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, seven khawarij were sent to hell,” ISPR added.
A second operation was carried out in the Bannu district, resulting in the deaths of six terrorists.
The statement stated that security forces and law enforcement agencies are conducting clearance operations to eliminate any Indian-backed terrorists present in the area.
It added that under the approval of the Federal Apex Committee for the National Action Plan, the campaign to eliminate terrorism will continue with full intensity in line with the ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ vision.
Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of allowing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate freely from Afghan territory. Officials say the TTP has become fully operational across the border, posing a serious threat to Pakistan’s internal security.
The group has long used Afghanistan as a sanctuary, but its freedom has expanded significantly since the Taliban takeover on August 15, 2021.
TTP fighters and their families are now based in eastern provinces such as Khost, Paktika, Paktia, and Kunar — areas that have become staging grounds for attacks inside Pakistan.
