Four terrorists, including key leaders, were killed and two others injured during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in the Bagh area of Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated on Saturday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operation was initiated after receiving reports about the presence of militants in the area. Troops effectively targeted the terrorist hideout, resulting in the elimination of four individuals, including prominent leaders Aziz ur Rehman, also known as Qari Ismail, and Mukhlis.
“Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the neutralized militants, who were actively involved in various terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces and the killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR statement noted.
The area is currently undergoing a sanitisation operation to ensure the complete removal of any remaining threats. The military emphasized its unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.
Escalating Security Concerns
Pakistan has faced a significant increase in violent incidents since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, with border provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan being particularly affected.
The “CRSS Annual Security Report 2024,” published by the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, highlighted 2024 as the deadliest year for Pakistan’s security forces in a decade, with 685 fatalities and 444 terrorist attacks.
The report further revealed alarming cumulative losses, with 1,612 fatalities among civilians and security personnel, representing over 63% of all recorded casualties. This figure marked a 73% increase compared to the 934 militants neutralized in the same year.
With an overall toll of 2,546 fatalities and 2,267 injuries, 2024 recorded a nine-year high in violence-linked deaths, a 66% increase compared to 2023. On average, seven lives were lost daily, with November witnessing the highest casualty count of the year.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered the most significant losses, with 1,616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan with 782. The violence stemmed from 1,166 incidents, including terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations, underlining the severe challenges faced by Pakistan’s security landscape.
