Security forces eliminated 13 terrorists in a high-stakes intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the operation and stated that the terrorists were affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as “Fitna al Khwarij” by the state.
Terrorists Linked to Suicide Attacks and Civilian Killings
According to the ISPR, the militants killed in the operation were involved in multiple acts of terrorism, including a deadly suicide bombing in December 2023. They were also linked to targeted killings and the abduction of government officials and civilians in the region.
Security forces, acting on credible intelligence, engaged the terrorists at their hideout. The swift and precise action led to the deaths of 13 militants, described as “Indian-sponsored Khwarij” in the statement. Weapons, ammunition, and other materials were recovered from the site.
“These terrorists were responsible for spreading chaos in the region. Their elimination marks a significant success in our ongoing efforts to cleanse Pakistan of foreign-sponsored terrorism,” said the ISPR.
Second Major Operation in a Week
This was the second successful anti-terror operation in Dera Ismail Khan within a week. On September 21, security personnel carried out another IBO in the Kulachi area, where seven terrorists were neutralized. Among them were three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers.
In that operation too, the ISPR accused the Indian state of backing terrorist elements, saying, “Seven Indian-sponsored Khwarij, including Afghan nationals, were sent to hell.”
The statement also urged the interim Afghan government to fulfill its commitment to deny the use of its territory for launching attacks on Pakistan. The rising presence of Afghan nationals among the militants has raised further security concerns.
Pakistan Determined to Crush Terror Networks
Pakistan has witnessed a renewed surge in terrorist activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in recent months. Following the TTP’s announcement in November 2022 to end its ceasefire with the government, attacks on security forces, police, and civilians have escalated.
Despite the increase in threats, the ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to root out all terror networks, particularly those allegedly sponsored by hostile foreign elements.
“A sanitisation operation is underway to clear the area of any remaining terrorists. Pakistan’s security forces remain fully committed to defeating Indian-sponsored terrorism and restoring peace,” the ISPR concluded.
