Security forces kill seven 'Indian-backed' militants in twin KP operations: ISPR

Pakistani security forces killed seven alleged militants in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said Thursday.

Four soldiers, including an officer, were martyred during the engagements.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six militants described as “Indian-sponsored khawarij” were killed during an attempted attack on a check post in North Waziristan’s Shawal area late Wednesday.

Troops repelled the assault, but Lieutenant Daniyal Ismail (24) and three soldiers—Naib Subedar Kashif Raza (42), Lance Naik Fiaqat Ali (35), and Sepoy Muhammad Hameed (26)—lost their lives in the exchange.

A second operation in Chitral District resulted in one militant’s death, also labeled by the ISPR as “Indian-sponsored.”

The statement linked the militants to past attacks, including two on the N-70 highway in 2024–25 that killed 30 civilians. It did not provide evidence of Indian involvement.

Separately, five more alleged militants were neutralised in Balochistan’s Loralai and Kech districts on Wednesday, per the ISPR.

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Pakistan has long accused India of supporting militant activities along its western borders, a claim New Delhi denies. The operations come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing counterterrorism efforts by Pakistani forces.

The military reiterated its resolve to “eliminate terrorism” and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. Funerals for the martyred personnel were held in their hometowns with full honours.