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 resulted in significant militant casualties across several districts:
- Five terrorists killed in Bajaur District following intense fire exchange
- Three terrorists neutralized in separate encounters in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan Districts
- Five additional terrorists eliminated in engagements in Khyber and South Waziristan Districts
Weapons Recovered and Sanitization Continues
The ISPR statement confirmed that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, who were described as “Indian sponsored” and actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region.
Sanitization operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats, with security forces maintaining their commitment to what the military describes as a “relentless Counter Terrorism campaign” under the vision “Azm e Istehkam.”
Broader Security Context
These operations occur amid Pakistan’s continued efforts to address security challenges along its border with Afghanistan, including the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced increased cross-border terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq has reportedly resulted in significant militant casualties, with Pakistani officials claiming over 500 Afghan Taliban fighters killed in strikes along the border and inside Afghanistan.
The security situation remains complex, with Pakistan and Afghanistan engaging in periodic border clashes and diplomatic efforts to address terrorist safe havens continuing amid regional tensions.
