Security Forces Kill 13 India-Backed Militants In Five Operations Across KP
Pakistan’s security forces killed 13 India-backed militants during five intelligence-based operations carried out in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
The military’s media wing said the operations were conducted late at night between March 6 and March 7 as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks operating in the region.
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One of the operations took place in Bajaur District, where security forces targeted a militant hideout following intelligence reports. According to the ISPR, troops effectively engaged the location and after an intense exchange of fire, five militants were killed.
In two additional encounters in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan districts, security personnel neutralised three more militants during separate engagements.
Meanwhile, two more clashes occurred in Khyber and South Waziristan districts, where security forces killed another five militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants killed during the operations.
The ISPR stated that the militants were believed to be involved in several terrorist activities in the area and described them as Indian-sponsored operatives.
Following the operations, security forces launched sanitisation efforts in the affected areas to ensure that no remaining militants were present. The military reiterated that the counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue at full pace in coordination with law enforcement agencies to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The statement also reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to defend the country’s borders and maintain internal security.
The latest operations come as Pakistan faces increasing security challenges along its border with Afghanistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Militancy in these regions has intensified since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
To address the growing threat, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, a major military campaign targeting militant groups operating along the border.
According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the operation has resulted in significant militant losses. He said that at least 527 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed so far, while more than 755 have been injured. Authorities also reported that 237 militant checkposts were destroyed, 38 were captured, and 205 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery guns were eliminated during the operation.
Before the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, Pakistan also carried out airstrikes against seven militant camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The targets included hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), its affiliated groups, and Daesh-Khorasan.
Security sources said the airstrikes were conducted in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, killing more than 80 militants.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also escalated in recent months. In October 2025, clashes erupted along the border after Afghan Taliban fighters and militants launched attacks on Pakistani border posts.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred while defending the country.
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