According to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani security forces conducted an operation in the Daraban region after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists. These individuals were identified by the state as “Fitna al Khwarij,” a term used to describe members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Similarly, the state refers to Balochistan-based militant groups as “Fitna al Hindustan” to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and instability within Pakistan.
The ISPR statement reported that during the operation, Pakistani troops “effectively engaged the khwarij location,” leading to the elimination of “13 Indian sponsored khwarij.” The statement also noted that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the deceased terrorists, who were involved in terrorist activities in the area. They were specifically linked to a suicide bombing in Daraban in December 2023, as well as the kidnapping and targeted killing of government officials and civilians.
The statement concluded by saying that a “sanitization operation” was underway to find and eliminate any other “Indian-sponsored kharji” in the area, emphasizing that Pakistan’s security forces are determined to eradicate the threat of “Indian-sponsored terrorism” from the country.
This operation followed a similar one on September 21 in the same district, where security personnel killed seven terrorists, including three Afghan nationals. The ISPR had stated that the operation was carried out in the Kulachi area due to the presence of “khawarij.” The statement added that “seven Indian sponsored khwarij, including three Afghan National khwarij and two suicide bombers, were sent to hell.” Pakistan’s government expects the interim Afghan government to fulfill its obligations and prevent its territory from being used for terrorist acts.
Lately, Pakistan has seen an increase in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. In November 2022, the TTP ended a ceasefire agreement with the government and vowed to increase its attacks against security forces, police, and other law enforcement agencies.
