Security forces killed at least five terrorists in three separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Saturday. Two additional individuals were apprehended during these operations.
In a statement released by the military’s media wing, it was detailed that an IBO conducted in the Bajaur district resulted in the elimination of three terrorists, including a high-value target (HVT) identified as Fareed Ullah.
Another IBO was carried out in the Dossali area of North Waziristan, where security forces neutralized two terrorists. Simultaneously, two terrorists, including HVT Lal Ameer alias Ibrahim, were apprehended from their hideout in the Mohmand district.
The ISPR further stated that the forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the terrorists. Sanitization operations are currently underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.
This action by the security forces follows a series of successful operations near the Pakistan-Afghan border between April 25 and April 27, during which as many as 71 terrorists were killed.
These anti-terror operations are taking place against a backdrop of increased terrorist attacks within the country, which saw a surge of 42% in January, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used by terrorists to launch attacks against Pakistan.
The two countries share a porous border stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers, featuring several crossing points that are significant for regional trade and interpersonal relations across the border.
However, the issue of terrorism remains a key concern for Pakistan, which has called upon Afghanistan to prevent its soil from being utilized by groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to conduct attacks within Pakistan’s territory.
Islamabad’s concerns have been corroborated by a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. The report revealed a connection between Kabul and the TTP, indicating that the former provides logistical, operational, and financial support to the latter.
