RAWALPINDI (MNN); Security forces killed four terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna al-Khawarij group during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were carried out in Dera Ismail Khan and Mohmand districts during the night of June 3 and 4, 2026, following intelligence reports regarding the presence of terrorists in the areas.
The ISPR stated that security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district after receiving credible information about the presence of militants. During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ hideout, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.
As a result of the operation, two terrorists affiliated with what the military described as the India-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were killed.
In a separate operation conducted in Mohmand district, security personnel successfully targeted another group of militants. Following a precise and effective engagement, two more terrorists were neutralised.
The military’s media wing said that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, the ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their nationwide counter-terrorism campaign under the framework of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
The military emphasized that operations against foreign-sponsored and supported terrorist elements would continue with full determination until the threat is completely eradicated.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021 following the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan.
In response to growing security challenges, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” during which, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, approximately 684 Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated militants were killed, more than 900 injured, and 252 militant checkposts destroyed.
Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border further intensified in October 2025 after Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militants allegedly launched attacks on Pakistani border positions. More than 200 militants were reported killed in the ensuing clashes, while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the country’s frontiers.
Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic engagement and talks between Islamabad and Kabul, both sides have yet to achieve a breakthrough, with Pakistan maintaining that insufficient action has been taken against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
