13 terrorists eliminated in KP as security forces intensify crackdown

-- IBOs in Bara and Bannu underscore ongoing counterterror push under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 13 militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Wednesday.

The operations, conducted on March 30, targeted militants described by the military as “Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij,” a term used by the state for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

In the first operation, carried out in the Bara area of Khyber District, security forces killed 10 militants following what officials described as an intense exchange of fire. The ISPR said troops effectively engaged militant positions, resulting in the elimination of all targets at the site.

A second operation in Bannu District led to the killing of three more militants, further underscoring the ongoing counterterror campaign in the region.

The military said follow-up sanitisation operations were underway to clear the area of any remaining militants. It reiterated that operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy — approved under the National Action Plan — would continue at full pace to eliminate what it termed foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful operations. In separate statements, both leaders reaffirmed the country’s resolve to eradicate terrorism.

President Zardari emphasised that such operations would continue to ensure national security and safeguard citizens, while Prime Minister Shehbaz described the armed forces as a “solid wall” defending the country against militant threats.

The operations come amid a surge in militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, fatalities in the province rose sharply from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, reflecting a worsening security environment.

In response to the resurgence of militancy, particularly in KP and Balochistan, authorities have stepped up intelligence-based operations targeting militant networks.

Earlier in March, five militants were killed in an operation in Lakki Marwat, while another 13 were eliminated in multiple operations across the province the previous week, highlighting the sustained intensity of the counterterror campaign.