Dera Ismail Khan – At least ten terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Thursday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on March 20, 2025, following intelligence reports of terrorist presence in the area.
“During the operation, our troops stealthily surrounded the terrorists’ hideout and effectively engaged them. As a result, all ten militants were eliminated,” the ISPR stated.
The exchange of fire also led to the martyrdom of Captain Hasnain Akhtar, who bravely led his troops from the front. The 24-year-old officer, a resident of Jhelum district, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Captain Hasnain was known for his exceptional courage and decisive actions in previous operations, the statement noted.
Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain terrorists, who were involved in numerous attacks against law enforcement agencies and the targeted killings of innocent civilians.
A sanitization operation is underway to clear the area of any remaining threats. The ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, emphasizing that the sacrifices of young officers further strengthen the nation’s resolve.
Surge in Terrorist Attacks
Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in terrorist activities, particularly against security personnel, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the most affected regions.
In January 2025 alone, the country experienced a 42% increase in terror attacks compared to the previous month, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The think tank reported 74 militant attacks nationwide, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people were injured, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the worst-hit province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, causing 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
