Security forces killed eight terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, state media reported on Sunday.
According to security sources cited by Radio Pakistan, the operation was conducted after intelligence indicated the presence of terrorists in the area.
The slain terrorists were identified by the state as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Three key commanders were among the eight terrorists killed, according to the security sources.
Security forces also recovered foreign currency and a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the site.
The operation was conducted under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework. The government launched the initiative in June 2024 as part of its efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.
President and Prime Minister Praise Operation
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operation.
PTI Stands Firm on Demands as Government Talks End in Deadlock
The president and prime minister separately commended the personnel for what they described as timely and effective action in Dera Ismail Khan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Pakistani nation stood with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
President Zardari said terrorists operating with what he described as foreign support and local facilitators would not be allowed to succeed.
Both leaders reaffirmed support for continued operations against Fitna al-Khawarij under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework.
Counterterrorism Operations Intensify in K-P
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has faced continued militant attacks and security operations in recent weeks.
The province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August. The figure stood at 36 in July, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
Security forces have conducted several IBOs across the province in recent days.
On Saturday, security forces killed five Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during an IBO in South Waziristan, according to state media.
On Friday, seven terrorists were reported killed during an IBO in the Eidak area of North Waziristan.
Earlier, three terrorists were killed in an operation in Mir Ali. Five others were reported killed in an IBO in Bara.
Security forces also killed four terrorists during an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan on September 28. Authorities said weapons, ammunition and Afghan currency were recovered from those killed.
The latest operation adds to a series of counterterrorism actions across K-P as security forces continue operations against militant groups.
