Security forces in Pakistan have eliminated at least nine Indian-sponsored terrorists in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing (ISPR) announced on Sunday.
According to the official statement, the first intelligence-based operation was carried out in Dera Ismail Khan, where four militants were killed after a fierce exchange of fire.
A second operation in Tank district led to the elimination of two more Indian-backed terrorists, while a third operation in the Bagh area of Khyber district resulted in the deaths of three additional militants.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from all three locations. The ISPR noted that these terrorists had been involved in numerous attacks across the region.
Sanitisation efforts are ongoing to clear the areas of any remaining threats, reaffirming the security forces’ commitment to eradicating the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism.
Pakistan has seen a rise in terror incidents since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
However, recent trends show some improvement. According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the first quarter of 2025 saw militant and insurgent casualties surpass those of civilians and security personnel.
The report highlighted a nearly 13% decrease in overall violence compared to the last quarter of 2024, with fewer civilian and military fatalities.
Despite this progress, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the epicentres of violence, accounting for 98% of all fatalities. Incidents have become increasingly daring, such as the unprecedented hijacking of the Jaffar Express.
If current patterns persist, projections warn Pakistan could see over 3,600 fatalities by the end of the year, making 2025 potentially one of the deadliest years on record. Balochistan alone has accounted for 35% of all fatalities so far, with a 15% rise in violence compared to the previous quarter.
