Three Coordinated Operations Target Militants Across KP
Security forces have killed seven terrorists in three coordinated operations conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. The militants, identified as members of what the state refers to as the “Indian proxy Fitna-al-Khawarij,” a term used for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were taken down in separate intelligence-based operations carried out on November 18 and 19.
The first operation was launched in Mohmand district after reports of terrorist presence. Security forces engaged the militants’ positions and, following an intense exchange of fire, successfully killed four terrorists. The ISPR said the troops acted swiftly and ensured that the threat was neutralised on the spot.
A second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Lakki Marwat district. During the engagement, security forces killed two more militants linked to the same group. According to ISPR, the operation was precise, and no collateral damage was reported.
In the third encounter, carried out in the Tank district, security forces eliminated one additional terrorist. The military confirmed that sanitisation operations are continuing in all three areas to ensure that no remaining militants escape. Officials said any Indian-sponsored elements found in the surrounding zones will also be targeted.
Government Praises Forces and Vows to Continue Counter-Terror Drive
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces for their successful operations and praised their professionalism. In a statement from his office, he commended the personnel for eliminating seven militants and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism until its complete eradication. He added that the entire nation stands united with the armed forces in defending Pakistan.
The ISPR emphasized that counter-terrorism efforts under Azm-i-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace. The military reiterated its resolve to wipe out all forms of foreign-sponsored terrorism.
The latest operations come shortly after ISPR confirmed the killing of 38 terrorists in four intelligence-based operations conducted over the previous three days. Those operations targeted militants in Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, Bajaur, and Bannu, resulting in the elimination of multiple high-value targets, including ringleader Alam Mehsud. Last week, 24 more terrorists were killed in separate engagements in KP and Balochistan.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. A recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies noted a sharp rise in violence over the last three months, driven by increased militant activity and intensified counter-terror operations.
