Security forces kill 4 terrorists in DI Khan, Mohmand IBOs

Security forces killed four terrorists associated with the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) 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 Indian sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij was sent to hell,” the statement said.

Read: 17 terrorists neutralized in Balochistan IBOs

The expression Fitna al-Khawarij used by the state to refer to terrorists associated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

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

“In the ensuing skilful engagement, two more khwarij was effectively neutralized,” it added.

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

“Remediation operations are conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as a relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as endorsed by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue at full speed to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for conducting the successful IBOs.

The Prime Minister described the operation as commendable.

He reiterated that operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue until the threat of terrorism was completely eradicated.

Also read: Security forces thwart two infiltration attempts, kill 13 terrorists

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

The prime minister vowed to prevent any conspiracy against Pakistan’s peace, stability and security, adding that there was no place in the country for terrorist elements and their facilitators.

He said the government and security institutions remained determined to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised the security forces for successfully conducting the operations.

He hailed the professionalism of the security forces and hailed them for foiling the nefarious designs of the terrorists.

KP remains a key focus of the country’s fight against terrorism, with security forces regularly conducting IBOs against militants.

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

According to a security assessment obtained by Express PakinomistKP recorded 1,588 terror-related incidents, underscoring the growing militancy threat across both settled and tribal districts. Despite the increase in attacks, security forces reportedly foiled 320 major attacks, while 137 police officers were killed in the line of duty.

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

The report said joint operations by the 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-based operations.

Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Hangu and Peshawar were among the districts most affected by militant violence, and the report noted a pattern of attacks allegedly planned and launched from across the Afghan border.

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