Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistani military announced on Sunday the elimination of 13 terrorists belonging to the so-called “Fitnat-e-Khawarij” (the banned Pakistani Taliban). This came during a series of five rapid intelligence-led security operations carried out in various areas across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Details of the field clashes
According to the military statement, the operations took place between March 6 and 7 as part of Operation Azm-e-Istiqaamah, aimed at eliminating foreign-funded terrorism.
Five terrorists were killed after heavy gunfire with troops who effectively engaged their positions in the Bajaur region. Three terrorists were successfully neutralized in two separate engagements in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan. Additionally, in Khyber and South Waziristan, five more “Kharijites” were eliminated in precise clashes. The military’s public relations department confirmed the recovery of large quantities of weapons and ammunition from the slain terrorists, whom it described as “Indian-sponsored.” It also noted their active involvement in numerous terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region.
Border challenges and military commitment
The Pakistani military explained that these operations coincide with addressing escalating security challenges along the border with Afghanistan. The statement emphasized that security forces remain “steadfast and resolute” in their commitment to defending the country’s borders and eliminating any externally supported and funded threat. For his part, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari praised the high professionalism of the security forces. He also affirmed that clearing the country of “Kharijite sedition terrorists” is a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace.
escalating violence
These operations come amid a worrying rise in violence. A 2025 security report revealed a surge in the number of deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025. This increase represents 82% of the net national rise in violent incidents. Consequently, these figures have prompted the government to intensify its preemptive strikes against extremist strongholds.
