Security forces neutralized 13 terrorists with alleged Indian backing in five separate intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing announced on Sunday.
High-Tempo Operations Across Multiple Districts
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a series of “high-tempo, intelligence-driven operations” was conducted during the night of March 6-7 as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. The operations spanned several districts:
- Bajaur District: Five terrorists killed during an intense fire exchange after forces engaged their location.
- Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan Districts: Three terrorists neutralized in two separate encounters.
- Khyber and South Waziristan Districts: Five additional terrorists eliminated in two further engagements.
Weapons Recovered and Sanitization Continues
The ISPR stated that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the “Indian sponsored killed terrorists,” who were reportedly involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region. Sanitization operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats. The military emphasized its commitment to a relentless campaign under the vision “Azm e Istehkam” to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Context: Border Security and Broader Operations
These operations occur as Pakistan confronts persistent security challenges along its border with Afghanistan and continues Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced increased cross-border militant activity in KP and Balochistan.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq has reportedly resulted in significant militant casualties. Official figures cited last week indicate over 527 Afghan Taliban fighters killed and hundreds more injured in strikes along and across the border, alongside the destruction of numerous checkposts and equipment.
Tensions have periodically escalated, including border clashes in October 2025 that resulted in over 200 militant and 23 Pakistani soldier fatalities. Diplomatic efforts have been hampered by what Pakistan describes as the Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
The latest intelligence-based operations underscore the military’s continued focus on dismantling terrorist networks operating within Pakistan’s borders.
