Security forces kill 4 terrorists in DI Khan and Mohmand IBO

Security forces killed four terrorists affiliated with the Indian-sponsored group. Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district following reports of terrorist presence.

“After an intense exchange of fire, two khwarijbelonging to an Indian sponsored group Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell,” the statement said.

Read: 17 terrorists neutralized in Balochistan IBO

The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the state to refer to terrorists affiliated with the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The ISPR said security forces also carried out another PCI in Mohmand district.

“Then, one skillful engagement, two more khwarij were effectively neutralized,” he adds.

According to the statement, arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were actively involved in many terrorist activities in the region.

“Disinfection operations are carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the region, while an unrelenting anti-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by the Supreme Federal Committee on National Action Plan) by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue in full swing to eliminate the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the security forces for carrying out these PCIs.

The Prime Minister described the operation as commendable.

He reiterated that security and law enforcement operations would continue until the terrorist threat was completely eradicated.

Read also: Security forces foil two infiltration attempts and kill 13 terrorists

“The nation appreciates the sacrifices made by its courageous armed forces and security institutions,” he said.

The Prime Minister vowed to foil any conspiracy against the peace, stability and security of Pakistan, adding that there was no place in the country for terrorist elements and their enablers.

He said the government and security institutions remained committed to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the security forces for successfully carrying out these operations.

Praising the professionalism of the security forces, he paid tribute to them for having foiled the nefarious designs of the terrorists.

The KP remains a key part of the country’s counterterrorism efforts, with security forces regularly carrying out IBOs against militants.

The province saw a significant increase in militant violence last year, with more than 500 attacks reported, a 50% increase from the previous year.

According to a security assessment obtained by The Express PK Press Clubthe KP recorded 1,588 terrorism-related incidents, highlighting the growing militant threat in settled and tribal districts. Despite the increase in attacks, security forces reportedly foiled 320 major strikes, while 137 police officers were killed in the line of duty.

Learn more: 17 terrorists killed in operations in Balochistan after Quetta train attack: ISPR

The report said that joint operations of KP Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies led to the arrest of 1,244 suspected militants, while 420 militants were killed in intelligence-led operations.

Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Hangu and Peshawar were among the districts worst hit by militant violence, with the report citing a series of attacks believed to have been planned and launched from across the Afghan border.

The CTD report also recorded a 56 percent increase in attacks targeting police personnel, from 327 in 2024 to 510 in 2025. During the year, security agencies conducted 2,791 search operations and identified 25 foreign militants, while extortion networks operating in Peshawar and other districts were dismantled, the report said.