Pakistani security forces killed four terrorists, including two senior leaders, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber district, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed.
The operation targeted a terrorist hideout in Bagh area of Khyber district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province after intelligence reports confirmed the presence of extremists, Express News reported.
The operation led to the elimination of Aziz-ur-Rehman, also known as Qari Ismail, and another senior terrorist leader, Mukhlis, the ISPR said in a statement.
Two other terrorists were injured and arms and ammunition were recovered from the spot.
“These terrorists were involved in several acts of terror targeting security forces and innocent civilians,” the ISPR said, adding that a clearance operation is underway to eliminate any remaining threats in the area.
The military reiterated its commitment to eradicate terrorism and stated that such operations are part of a broader effort to ensure national security.
Earlier this week, a terrorist identified as an Afghan national was killed in Sambaza, Zhob district of Balochistan on January 11, 2025, ISPR reported on Tuesday.
The person, Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel, son of Haji Qasim Dawran Khan, was a resident of Bilorai village in Wazekhwa District, Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
The deceased was involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan, the ISPR said.
After completing the legal formalities, Ahmedkhel’s body was handed over to Interim Afghan Government (IAG) officials on 20 January.
The ISPR noted the incident as “irrefutable evidence of the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist activities in Pakistan.” The military urged Kabul to “fulfill its responsibility” by ensuring that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
In 2024, the Pakistan Army conducted a record 59,775 intelligence-based operations, eliminating 925 terrorists, including 73 high-value targets – the highest number of neutralized militants in five years.
