Pakistan’s security forces have successfully eliminated nine terrorists linked to the India-backed proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij during two major intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations were conducted in the Tank and Lakki Marwat districts, the military’s media wing, ISPR, confirmed on Saturday.
These actions mark another decisive step in Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling foreign-sponsored networks operating inside the country.
Seven Terrorists Killed in Tank Operation
According to the ISPR press release, security forces launched the first operation on December 5 after receiving credible intelligence about terrorist presence in Tank district. During the mission, forces effectively engaged the hostile location. After an intense exchange of fire, seven terrorists were killed on the spot.
The ISPR stated that the slain militants were actively involved in attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel, and targeted killings of civilians. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, confirming the group’s operational capabilities.
Two More Militants Neutralised in Lakki Marwat
In a second, separate IBO conducted in Lakki Marwat, security forces neutralised two additional terrorists linked to the same India-sponsored network.
Following both engagements, sanitisation operations were launched to ensure no remaining militants were present in the surrounding areas. The military emphasized that these steps are vital for securing local populations and preventing fresh attacks coordinated by foreign-backed elements.
The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s anti-terror strategy under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue at full strength. The campaign focuses on eliminating all forms of foreign-supported terrorism from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for their swift, precise, and successful operations in Tank and Lakki Marwat. They reiterated the state’s resolve to defeat terrorism in all its forms.
Terror incidents have sharply increased in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan, since 2021 following the rise of the Afghan Taliban regime. According to ISPR DG Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan carried out 67,023 IBOs in 2025, mostly in KP and Balochistan, leading to the elimination of 1,873 terrorists, including 136 Afghan nationals.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. Cross-border tensions have risen in recent months, prompting retaliatory measures by Pakistani forces.
