ISLAMABAD: At least nine Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed in three separate intelligence-based operations conducted by Pakistani security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
The first operation took place in the Dera Ismail Khan district, where troops launched a targeted offensive based on intelligence regarding the presence of militants. “During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists’ hideout, and following an intense exchange of fire, four Indian-sponsored terrorists were neutralised,” the ISPR said.
In a second operation in Tank district, security forces killed two more militants in a similar exchange of fire.
The third operation occurred in the general area of Bagh in Khyber district, where troops successfully eliminated three additional terrorists. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed militants, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities across the region.
Following the operations, sanitisation efforts were carried out to ensure no other threats remained in the vicinity. “Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement added.
Security Landscape: Signs of Progress Amid Persistent Threats
Pakistan has faced a resurgence in terrorist activity since the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan bearing the brunt of cross-border and domestic militancy.
However, the first quarter of 2025 showed signs of improvement. According to data from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), militant and insurgent fatalities outpaced the combined losses of civilians and security personnel — a reversal from previous quarters.
The CRSS report, as cited by The News, noted a nearly 13% drop in overall violence compared to the final quarter of 2024, along with fewer civilian and military fatalities. Despite this progress, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the most volatile regions, accounting for 98% of all terrorism-related deaths.
The report warned of escalating violence, including more sophisticated and daring attacks, such as the unprecedented hijacking of the Jaffar Express. If current trends continue, projections estimate over 3,600 fatalities by the end of 2025 — potentially making it one of the deadliest years for Pakistan in recent history.
Balochistan alone accounted for 35% of all fatalities in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 15% rise in violence compared to the previous quarter. While other provinces have seen relatively lower levels of violence, the increasing boldness of militant operations underscores the ongoing challenge.
