Twenty-two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ISPR confirmed on Tuesday.
Twenty-two India-sponsored terrorists were killed in a precision intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by Pakistan’s security forces in Bannu district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the ISPR statement, the operation was carried out on Monday after credible intelligence reported the presence of Khawarij militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna al Khawarij.
“During the operation, our troops engaged the Khawarij positions effectively, and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 terrorists were neutralized,” the ISPR said, adding that a sanitization operation was underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.
The statement further emphasized that the counter-terrorism campaign by Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies would continue with full force to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif lauded the operation and paid tribute to the security forces, saying they had achieved “major successes” under the vision of Azm-i-Istehkam. “The entire nation stands with Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism. We are determined to eradicate all forms of terrorism from Pakistan,” he added.
The operation comes amid a string of terror incidents, including a suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar yesterday. In the attack, three FC personnel were martyred and 12 others injured. The assault began when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance, but the attackers were swiftly neutralized by security forces before causing further damage. Initial investigations revealed that all three terrorists were Afghan nationals.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Pakistani security forces foiled a major cross-border terror plot in Balochistan, arresting five Afghan nationals in Ziarat district and seizing a significant cache of weapons and explosives. Officials warned that militants continue to cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan, with the Afghan Taliban regime reportedly reluctant to act against sanctuaries of these terror groups.
The ongoing operations in KP and Balochistan underscore Pakistan’s commitment to protect national security and counter cross-border terrorism through intelligence-led action and coordinated counter-terrorism campaigns.
