Pakistan’s security forces successfully killed 23 terrorists affiliated with Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij. The operations took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over November 16 and 17. These intelligence-based operations targeted terrorist hideouts in Bajaur and Bannu districts.
Details of Bajaur and Bannu Operations
In Bajaur, security forces engaged a key militant location. The engagement resulted in the deaths of 11 terrorists, including the ringleader Sajjad, also known as Abuzar. Meanwhile, in Bannu, 12 additional militants were neutralized.
Security authorities have also initiated sanitisation operations to identify and eliminate any remaining Indian-backed terrorists in the region. The operations form part of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam”.
IED Attempt Foiled in Bannu
Separately, a militant linked to Fitna al-Khawarij was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) in Bannu during the early hours of November 18. Authorities stated this incident highlights the increasing desperation of terrorist groups under pressure from security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Earlier in November, security forces conducted operations between November 8 and 9, killing 15 terrorists, including a key ringleader affiliated with the Indian proxy group. These operations were conducted in response to a recent suicide attack at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex on November 11, which claimed 12 lives and injured at least 36 civilians.
The federal government has also arrested four members of a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan/Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP/FAK) cell connected to the Islamabad attack.
Terrorism Trends in KP and Balochistan
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, cross-border terrorism incidents have increased. KP and Balochistan have experienced the majority of these attacks. According to reports, KP alone recorded over 600 terror incidents in the first eight months of 2025. These attacks claimed the lives of 79 police personnel and 138 civilians.
Pakistan continues to urge the Afghan Taliban to adhere to the Doha Agreement of 2020. Under the agreement, Afghan soil should not be used to plan or execute attacks against any country.
The successful elimination of 23 India-backed terrorists underscores Pakistan’s commitment to countering foreign-sponsored terrorism. Security forces remain vigilant, and intelligence-based operations are expected to continue at full pace to neutralize all threats to national security.
