Security forces kill 17 militants in Lakki Marwat operation: ISPR

Security forces killed 17 militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the night of September 26-27, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was carried out after reports of the presence of members of the banned outfit Fitna al-Khawarij. Troops engaged the suspected hideout, resulting in the deaths of 17 militants.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, the ISPR said, adding that the individuals had been involved in attacks against security personnel and law enforcement agencies. A sanitisation operation was underway in the area to clear any remaining threats.

The statement reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism from the country.

Following the operation, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the professionalism and bravery of the forces. He said the action had prevented potential threats to peace and stability and paid tribute to the soldiers for their sacrifices.

“The people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our security forces,” Naqvi said, stressing the government’s support for continued counter-terrorism operations.

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Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) noted a 74% surge in terror incidents in August compared to July, with 194 fatalities recorded during the month.

The uptick in violence has prompted Pakistan, along with China, Iran, and Russia, to call on Afghanistan’s authorities to take action against militant groups operating from its soil.