RAWALPINDI, March 8 (Alliance News): Security forces neutralised 13 India-backed terrorists in five separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out during the night between March 6 and 7 as part of an ongoing high-tempo counter-terrorism campaign against militant networks operating in the region.
In one intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district, security forces engaged the terrorists’ hideout and, after an intense exchange of fire, killed five militants. In two separate encounters in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan districts, three terrorists were successfully neutralised.
Similarly, in two other engagements conducted in Khyber and South Waziristan districts, security forces killed five more terrorists.
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were described as Indian-sponsored and involved in several terrorist activities in the area.
Security forces also launched sanitisation operations in the respective regions to eliminate any remaining militants. The military reaffirmed that the counter-terrorism campaign under the national security vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” would continue with full intensity to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The statement emphasised that Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute and committed to defending the country’s borders and ensuring peace and stability.
The latest operations come amid rising security challenges along Pakistan’s western borders, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
In response to increasing cross-border militant activity, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting militant infrastructure and networks responsible for attacks inside the country.
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the operation has resulted in significant losses for militant groups. More than 527 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed in strikes conducted along the border and inside Afghan territory, while over 755 militants were injured. Authorities also reported the destruction of 237 militant checkposts, the capture of 38 positions, and the elimination of 205 tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery guns.
Earlier, Pakistani forces also targeted seven terrorist camps and hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border linked to Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan, following a series of suicide attacks.
Security sources said airstrikes were carried out in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, killing more than 80 militants.
Pakistan and Afghanistan also witnessed border clashes in October 2025 after Afghan Taliban fighters and militants launched attacks on Pakistani border posts. The ensuing fighting resulted in the killing of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the country.
Despite several rounds of talks between the two sides, tensions remain unresolved due to what Pakistani officials describe as the Afghan Taliban government’s reluctance to take decisive action against militant groups operating from its territory
