Security forces kill 11 India-backed terrorists in two KP IBOs: ISPR
RAWALPINDI: Security forces kill 11 India-backed terrorists in two KP IBOs, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday, confirming that the intelligence-based operations were conducted in North Waziristan and Kurram districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a press release issued by the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out on January 8, 2026, following credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants linked to India proxy Fitna al-Khawarij. The ISPR said that the security forces engaged the militants during two separate encounters, resulting in the elimination of 11 terrorists.
The ISPR stated that an intelligence-based operation was conducted in North Waziristan district after reports of khwarij presence in the area. During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the militants’ hideout, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which six khwarij were killed. The military’s media wing said the troops demonstrated professionalism and precision during the engagement.
In a separate operation in Kurram district, the ISPR said that police and security forces jointly neutralised five khwarij during another intelligence-based operation. The militants were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities targeting security forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.
The ISPR added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed India-sponsored khwarij, who had remained actively involved in acts of terrorism and targeted killings. It further stated that sanitisation operations were ongoing in both areas to eliminate any remaining militants.
“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other India-sponsored kharji found in the area as a relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border terrorist incidents since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan being the most affected provinces due to their proximity to the Afghan border.
Earlier this week, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, while addressing a press conference on January 6, said that law enforcement agencies carried out 75,175 intelligence-based operations across the country in 2025. He said that 14,658 IBOs were conducted in KP, 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 operations were carried out in other parts of the country.
Lt Gen Chaudhry further stated that 5,397 terrorist incidents were reported nationwide last year, with 3,811 incidents occurring in KP, 1,557 in Balochistan, and 29 incidents reported in other regions. He added that 2,597 terrorists were killed during counterterrorism operations in 2025, noting that Afghan militants were involved in all 10 major terrorist attacks carried out against civilians and soft targets.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the security forces for successfully neutralising Fitna al-Khawarij militants. In separate statements, they reaffirmed the state’s resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country.
President Zardari praised the officers and soldiers for their bravery and professionalism, stating that the fight against Fitna al-Khawarij would continue until its complete elimination. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces and police, vowing to continue the war against terrorism until the menace is fully wiped out.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the timely and effective actions of the forces, saying their operations had foiled the nefarious designs of terrorists. He added that there would be no space for khwarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that, with national support, the complete eradication of terrorism would be ensured.
