Security forces have neutralized at least nine terrorists, described as Indian-sponsored, in three distinct operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing announced on Sunday. According to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence-led operation was carried out by security forces in Dera Ismail Khan district following reports of the presence of Indian-sponsored terrorists. The statement detailed, “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij [terrorists’] location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian-sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.” A separate intelligence-based operation in Tank district resulted in the killing of two more Indian-backed terrorists during a subsequent fire exchange. In the third engagement, which occurred in the Bagh area of Khyber district, troops successfully eliminated three additional terrorists, as confirmed by the ISPR.
Weapons and ammunition were also confiscated from the deceased terrorists, who had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities throughout these regions. Clearance operations were undertaken to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the vicinity, as Pakistan’s security forces “are resolute in their commitment to eradicating the scourge of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement affirmed.
Escalating Terrorism in Pakistan: A Security Landscape Review
Pakistan has experienced a surge in terror incidents since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly impacting the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. However, the first quarter of 2025 indicated some encouraging trends in Pakistan’s security landscape, with militant and insurgent fatalities surpassing the combined losses of civilians and security forces personnel. Key findings from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) revealed a noticeable reduction in fatal losses among civilians and security forces personnel compared to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, and an almost 13% decrease in overall violence.
Despite these advancements, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continue to be epicenters of violence, accounting for 98% of all fatalities. Attacks in these regions are becoming bolder, and militant tactics are evolving, exemplified by the unprecedented hijacking of the Jaffar Express. Projections indicate that if current trends persist, fatalities could exceed 3,600 by year-end, potentially making 2025 one of Pakistan’s deadliest years. Individually, Balochistan accounted for 35% of all fatalities during the review period, and, in contrast to the previous quarter, it registered an alarming 15% increase in violence. This comparison excludes surges recorded in other provinces/regions due to their very low fatality numbers.
