Key Points
- Operations follow the Bannu suicide bombing
- Weapons and ammunition recovered
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have killed 24 terrorists linked to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), described as “Fitna Al-Khwarij”, during extensive intelligence-based operations in Bannu district.
The operations were carried out in the district and adjoining areas following a recent surge in terrorist attacks, the military said on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were launched against the backdrop of increased terrorist activity targeting police, law enforcement agencies and civilians, including a vehicle-borne suicide bombing in Bannu district.
The security forces initiated a series of joint intelligence-based operations to track down those responsible for the recent attacks and dismantle their support networks, it said. During fierce exchanges of fire over the past 24 hours, 24 terrorists were killed in Bannu and nearby areas, it added.
“Twenty-four khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij have been sent to hell,” the ISPR said, using the term employed by the military for members of the banned TTP.
Weapons recovered from Terrorists
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists. The military said those killed had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on security personnel and the killing of innocent civilians.
The latest operations come amid renewed efforts by security forces to curb terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the southern districts bordering Afghanistan, where terrorist groups have intensified attacks in recent months. Most of these attacks are being carried out by the terrorists taking refuge in sanctuaries in Afghanistan and having technical and financial backing from India.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over the presence of TTP fighters operating from Afghan territory and has complained about the group’s carrying out cross-border attacks.
Kabul has denied the allegations, although Islamabad maintains that the banned outfit continues to enjoy sanctuaries across the border.
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The military reiterated its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terrorist attacks and dismantling their networks. It said operations in the area would continue until all perpetrators and facilitators were brought to justice.
“The operations in the area would continue, and perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly acts will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The ISPR added that the country’s counter-terrorism campaign under an overall counter-terror operation “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace.
Security officials have described Azm-e-Istehkam as a comprehensive national strategy aimed at eliminating terrorism, strengthening intelligence coordination and targeting militant infrastructure across the country.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist violence since the collapse of the ceasefire between the TTP and the government in late 2022. Security forces have since intensified intelligence-led operations across affected regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.
