Seven terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement from the military’s media wing on Thursday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the operation targeted a known terrorist presence in the area. The security forces engaged members of Fitna Al Khawarij, formerly known as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), resulting in the deaths of seven terrorists and injuries to five others.
Additionally, the operation led to the dismantling of a terrorist hideout, where a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered. The ISPR noted that the deceased terrorists were involved in multiple attacks against security forces and innocent civilians.
A sanitization operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, as Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism from the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the professionalism of the security forces during this successful operation, reiterating the national resolve to combat terrorism. He stated that “the entire nation stands with the security forces for the total eradication of terrorism.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security efforts, emphasizing that the nation honors the sacrifices made by officers who risk their lives for Pakistan’s integrity. In a post on state-run PTV’s X account, he remarked that the forces are working tirelessly to cleanse the nation of Fitna Al Khawarij.
The recent uptick in terrorist activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, follows the TTP’s termination of its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. An annual security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies highlighted that Pakistan experienced 1,524 violence-related deaths and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, marking the highest levels of violence in six years. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for over 90% of the fatalities and 84% of all attacks during this period.
