In a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, Pakistani security forces have killed 31 terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday. The operations were conducted over two days, from September 13 to 14, and targeted militants linked to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whom the state labels as “Fitna al Khwarij”, an Indian-sponsored proxy network.
Operations Target Indian-Backed Militant Network
The ISPR confirmed that 14 terrorists were killed in Lakki Marwat during an operation launched on credible intelligence regarding their location. “Own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 14 Indian-sponsored khwarij were sent to hell,” the statement said. A second operation in Bannu resulted in the death of 17 additional terrorists, bringing the total death toll to 31 in two days.
The ISPR stressed that sanitisation operations were ongoing in both districts to ensure no remaining militants are hiding in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the military’s media wing stated.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Issues Stern Warning to Terror Facilitators
Following the military operations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism “with full force.” He stated that terrorist elements and their facilitators were being supported from Afghan soil, with clear backing from India, adding that Pakistan had delivered a strong message to the Afghan interim government: “Choose between supporting the khwarij or standing with Pakistan.”
He warned that anyone facilitating or advocating for terrorists or acting as Indian proxies would be treated as enemies of the state.
Pakistan has witnessed a concerning uptick in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the TTP unilaterally ended a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022. The resurgence in attacks has led to intensified military responses and increased pressure on neighboring countries to stop harboring anti-Pakistan militants.
As operations continue, the state maintains its resolve to eliminate terrorism and protect national sovereignty from foreign-sponsored destabilization efforts.
