At least 20 Indian-sponsored terrorists were neutralised by Pakistan’s security forces during two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday. The fierce engagements, conducted under the ongoing national counterterrorism drive, targeted elements of the Indian proxy outfit Fitna al-Khwarij, responsible for recent attacks in the region.
According to the ISPR, the first operation took place in Shawal, North Waziristan district, where Pakistani troops engaged the terrorists’ hideout with precision and eliminated eight Indian-backed Khwarij. In a second successful IBO in Dara Adam Khel, 12 more terrorists were killed following an intense exchange of fire. The security forces have since launched sanitisation operations to clear the surrounding areas of any remaining threats.
The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s relentless counterterrorism campaign under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, is continuing at full pace. The operation aims to completely eradicate all foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism networks from Pakistani soil.
Pakistan has been facing a surge in terror attacks since the Afghan Taliban takeover in 2021, with militants frequently launching cross-border attacks into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. During the first eight months of 2025 alone, KP witnessed more than 600 terror incidents, resulting in the martyrdom of over 138 civilians and 79 police officials.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban regime to ensure its territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan. However, the persistent cross-border hostilities have strained relations between the two neighbours.
In October, Pakistani forces launched retaliatory precision strikes after Taliban militants carried out unprovoked cross-border firing. The strikes destroyed several terrorist strongholds in Kandahar and Kabul, killing over 200 Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants. Pakistan also lost 23 soldiers in the clashes before a ceasefire was later requested by the Afghan Taliban regime.
The ISPR emphasized that the security forces remain fully committed to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and will continue to neutralise every element threatening the nation’s peace and stability. The successful elimination of 20 Indian-sponsored terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a clear message that Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism remains unwavering.
