Pakistani security forces:Pakistani security forces killed at least 13 terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the intervening night of January 13 and 14, the military said on Thursday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operations targeted militants belonging to Fitna Al Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Thirteen khawarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,” the ISPR said, adding that the operations were carried out following credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.
Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple attacks against law enforcement agencies and civilians in the region.
Rising Militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly districts bordering Afghanistan, has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence over the past year, largely attributed to the resurgence of the TTP. Pakistani officials have repeatedly stated that the group operates from sanctuaries across the border, a claim denied by the Taliban-led Afghan government.
The latest operations are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing attacks on security installations and civilian targets.
The ISPR said security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.