Pakistani Security Forces Neutralize 23 Terrorists Linked to Indian Proxy Groups
Pakistani security forces have successfully eliminated 23 terrorists associated with the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij during recent intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistani security forces have successfully eliminated 23 terrorists associated with the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij during recent intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on November 18, detailing the operations conducted on November 16 and 17 in the Bajaur and Bannu districts.
Pakistani security forces: Operations Overview
In Bajaur, the ISPR confirmed that security personnel engaged a terrorist location, resulting in the deaths of 11 militants, including the ringleader identified as Sajjad, also known as Abuzar. Meanwhile, another operation in Bannu led to the neutralization of an additional 12 terrorists. The ISPR stated that ongoing sanitization operations aim to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored terrorists in the area.
Commitment to Counter-Terrorism
The ISPR emphasized that the counter-terrorism campaign, guided by the vision 'Azm e Istehkam', will persist vigorously to eradicate the threat posed by foreign-sponsored terrorism within Pakistan.
Rising Threats and Recent Incidents
On November 18, a militant affiliated with the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) in Bannu. This incident highlighted the increasing desperation of the group, suggesting that sustained military pressure has driven militants to resort to “cowardly attempts against soft targets.”
Earlier in November, specifically between the 8th and 9th, security forces dispatched at least 15 terrorists, including a ringleader connected to Fitna al-Khawarij, within two separate IBOs. These operations were initiated in response to a suicide bombing at Islamabad's Judicial Complex on November 11, which resulted in 12 fatalities and over 36 injuries, including lawyers and petitioners.
Context of Rising Violence
The federal government has arrested four members of a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan/Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP/FAK) cell linked to the devastating attack. Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a marked increase in cross-border terrorism. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have particularly borne the brunt of these assaults, with KP alone recording over 600 incidents of terrorism from January to August 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 79 police personnel and 138 civilians.
The Pakistani government has continuously urged the Afghan Taliban to adhere to the 2020 Doha agreement, in which they committed to not allowing their territory to be used for attacks against other nations.
