Pakistani security forces neutralized 13 terrorists linked to India during two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday.
According to the ISPR, the first operation was conducted in the Bara area of Khyber District, targeting the reported presence of terrorists. Security forces engaged the terrorists in an intense exchange of fire, killing 10 terrorists.
A second operation in Bannu District resulted in the elimination of three more terrorists.
The military emphasized that sanitization operations are ongoing to remove any remaining India-backed terrorists from the areas.
Continued counter-terrorism campaign
The ISPR reiterated its commitment to the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam”, aimed at eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Since the Afghan Taliban took power in 2021, cross-border terrorist incidents have surged, particularly in KP and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan.
Earlier initiatives, such as Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, have resulted in the killing of approximately 684 Afghan Taliban operatives and affiliated militants, while over 900 were injured. Pakistan also reported the destruction of 252 militant checkposts.
In October 2025, Pakistan and Afghan Taliban forces clashed along the border after unprovoked attacks on Pakistani posts, resulting in over 200 Taliban casualties and 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred.
Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic talks, both countries have failed to reach a lasting agreement due to the Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to act against terrorist outfits operating from their territory.
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