PESHAWAR – Pakistan’s security forces dealt major blow to Fitna-al-Khwarij, eliminating 43 militants in fierce intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 48 hours, ISPR said late Friday.
The latest operations have been conducted in Mir Ali and Orakzai, as security personnel launched coordinated operations after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the two areas.
In Mir Ali, troops engaged multiple militant positions, triggering fierce exchanges of gunfire. At least 35 militants were killed during the encounters, making it the deadliest of the two operations. A separate operation in Orakzai resulted in the killing of eight more militants following intense armed clashes.
Beyond the militant casualties, security forces reported recovering a substantial stockpile of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials during clearance operations. The seized items included homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which officials believe could have been used to launch attacks against security personnel and civilian targets.
Despite the reported success of the operations, security forces have continued sweeping the affected areas to locate any militants who may still be hiding in suspected sanctuaries. The military’s intensified action forms part of Azm-e-Istehkam, Pakistan’s nationwide counterterrorism initiative approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
The campaign focuses on dismantling militant networks, disrupting terrorist infrastructure and strengthening security through coordinated action by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
Security authorities have reiterated that operations will continue without interruption as Pakistan seeks to eliminate terrorist threats and prevent militant organisations from rebuilding their networks. The latest operations underscore the country’s continuing efforts to restore lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and counter militancy in areas affected by persistent security challenges.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the operations were part of a broader effort to deny militant groups safe havens and prevent further attacks.
