- Suicide attack on Mir Ali camp foiled, operations in Lakki Marwat, Datta Khel and Bajaur eliminate key Khawarij commanders
RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 108 terrorists linked to the Afghan Taliban over the past four days—including 88 in just the last 48 hours—as Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign intensifies amid a fragile ceasefire along the border with Afghanistan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed when security forces foiled a suicide attack on a military camp in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on Friday. One soldier embraced martyrdom, and six others sustained injuries during the exchange.
“Five terrorists attempted to enter the camp following the explosion but were instantly neutralised in a prompt and decisive response,” the military’s media wing said.
Security sources said one suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the camp, triggering a blast, while five others tried to storm the compound but were gunned down before breaching it. “Security forces did not suffer further losses in the incident,” officials confirmed.
Reiterating the nation’s resolve, the ISPR said, “Under the National Action Plan, the people, the armed forces and security agencies remain steadfast in defending the country until the last foreign-backed terrorist is eliminated, Insha Allah.”
Widespread operations across KP
Separately, eight terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Sultan Khel area of Lakki Marwat district, following credible intelligence reports about the presence of proxies linked to the Afghan Taliban. Security personnel surrounded the area through aerial and ground surveillance before engaging the militants.
A cache of weapons and explosives was recovered from the slain terrorists, officials said. A clearance and search operation was later launched to prevent regrouping.
In a related clash, members of the Lakki Marwat Peace Committee exchanged fire with militants, killing five terrorists, including TTP Gul Bahadur faction commander Armdi.
Another IBO in Datta Khel resulted in the killing of six terrorists, including Fitna al-Khawarij commander Mehbub alias Muhammad, after security forces monitored the group’s movements for over a week. Three others were injured.
Meanwhile, in Bajaur, security personnel intercepted a vehicle carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives allegedly smuggled from Afghanistan. The explosives were meant for a major attack in a civilian area but were destroyed before detonation, the ISPR said.
“Azm-e-Istehkam” in motion
The latest series of operations fall under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, the government’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign launched to eradicate terrorism and extremism through coordinated efforts by the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies.
The operation also seeks to address ideological radicalisation and mobilise public participation to curb extremist tendencies nationwide.
“Fitna al-Khawarij” is the state-designated term for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), introduced last year to expose the group’s violent ideology and distortion of Islamic teachings.
Ceasefire holds amid border tension
The intensified operations come against the backdrop of heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Both sides agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday evening following days of cross-border clashes that left casualties on either side.
The truce was extended on Friday, with both countries agreeing to prolong the ceasefire until the conclusion of planned talks in Doha, according to three Pakistani security officials and one Afghan Taliban source.
Government tribute and condemnation
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the armed forces for “foiling the cowardly attempt” in Mir Ali, saying the soldiers’ swift and decisive action “brought the Khawarij to an exemplary end.”
“The nation is proud of its brave soldiers who thwarted the evil designs of the terrorists,” Naqvi said in a statement issued by the ministry.
The development followed the ISPR’s earlier report that 34 “India-backed” terrorists were eliminated in separate operations in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bannu over the previous three days.
Surging militant violence
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp resurgence in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces, law enforcement agencies, and police have been prime targets.
The violence surged after the TTP unilaterally ended its ceasefire with the government in 2022, prompting a renewed security push under the restructured National Action Plan.
Last week, a lieutenant colonel and a major were among 11 personnel martyred in an IBO in Orakzai, in which 19 terrorists were also killed. The following day, the ISPR reported that 30 more militants involved in the incident had been killed in a “retribution operation.” Another officer embraced martyrdom during an operation in Dera Ismail Khan, where seven terrorists were neutralized.
India’s role and Kabul’s denial
In recent months, Islamabad has repeatedly accused India of sponsoring terrorism through proxies in Afghanistan and Balochistan. In May, the government formally labelled all Balochistan-based terror outfits as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a phrase denoting India’s alleged destabilisation campaign.
At the same time, Pakistan has urged Kabul to act decisively against the TTP sanctuaries in Afghan territory. Afghan authorities, however, continue to deny the presence of Pakistani militants on their soil.
Tensions spiked earlier this week when Pakistan conducted precision strikes in Kabul and Kandahar following a series of cross-border assaults.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that Islamabad expected Kabul to take the first step if it was sincere about resolving the cross-border terrorism issue through dialogue.
