Security forces kill 15 Indian-sponsored kharjis during intelligence operations in KP

During two separate intelligence-based operations in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan, 15 terrorists affiliated with India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij were killed, according the Inter service public relations (ISPR).

The military media wing issued a statement on Tuesday stating that the operations were carried out between 15 and 16 November. 

In the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan, forces  engaged terrorists and killed ten of them, including their ringleader Alam Mehsud. Another operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, resulted in the killing of five more terrorists.

The ISPR added that sanitization efforts were underway to track down any remaining “Indian-sponsored kharji” militants, reaffirming that the ongoing counter terrorism drive aims to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism from Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari, praised the security forces for the successful counter-terrorism operation, saying the elimination of the ringleader reflected the effectiveness of their strategy. He stressed that any political attempt to undermine the unified national stance against terrorism would not be accepted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also commended the personnel involved, stating that under the Azm-i-Istehkam initiative, security forces were achieving significant progress against militancy. He reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.

Last week, 24 terrorists had been killed in three separate encounters in KP and Balochistan. Terrorism has surged after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to step up attacks on security and law enforcement agencies.