Pakistan’s security forces successfully neutralized 11 terrorists affiliated with India proxy Fitna al-Khawarij during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The operations were conducted on January 8, 2026, in North Waziristan and Kurram districts.
Officials confirmed that six terrorists were eliminated in North Waziristan, while five were neutralized in Kurram. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during both operations, highlighting the militants’ active involvement in terrorism and attacks on civilians.
Operations Target Remaining Militants
Security forces continue sanitization operations to hunt down any remaining Fitna al-Khawarij elements in the region. The operations are part of the Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism campaign, which aims to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism across Pakistan.
Military officials emphasized that these operations ensure the protection of civilians while systematically dismantling militant networks operating in KP.
KP and Balochistan Face Rising Terror Threats
The provinces of KP and Balochistan, sharing a porous border with Afghanistan, have witnessed a significant increase in cross-border terrorist incidents since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
In 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations nationwide. KP alone saw 14,658 operations, while Balochistan recorded 58,778, and the rest of the country had 1,739 operations.
During the same period, 5,397 terrorist incidents were reported across Pakistan. KP accounted for 3,811 incidents, Balochistan 1,557, and other regions 29 incidents. Authorities reported 2,597 terrorist casualties from counterterror operations last year.
Leadership Praise for Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the professionalism and bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces and police.
President Zardari lauded the forces for their role in protecting citizens and vowed to continue operations until Fitna al-Khawarij is fully eliminated. He highlighted the commitment of law enforcement in safeguarding lives and property.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the praise, emphasizing that armed forces and police personnel work day and night to neutralize hostile elements and prevent threats to national security.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the timely action of security forces in foiling militant plots and reaffirmed that KP will not provide safe havens for terrorists. He underlined the role of public support in ensuring the complete eradication of terrorism.
Strengthening National Security
These operations reflect Pakistan’s persistent counterterrorism strategy, targeting foreign-sponsored and domestic militant networks. The success of these intelligence-based operations reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding national stability and eliminating terrorism.
The combined efforts of military and law enforcement agencies showcase a coordinated, professional, and effective response against threats, particularly in sensitive border regions.
