ISLAMABAD: Security forces have gunned down at least 13 terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed the strikes targeted reported hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij elements described in regional media as India-backed proxies.

In the first operation in the Bara area of Khyber district troops engaged the militants in intense firefight killing ten khawarij on the spot.

A simultaneous intelligence-based operation in Bannu district neutralised three more terrorists after effective engagement.

Sanitisation sweeps are now underway in both areas to eliminate any remaining threats according to the ISPR statement issued on Wednesday.

This latest success forms part of Pakistan’s intensified counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam approved by the federal apex committee.

Last year law enforcement agencies conducted a record 75175 intelligence-based operations nationwide averaging 206 daily across the country.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone accounted for 14658 of those operations reflecting the province’s status as the primary theatre of militant activity.

National terror incidents reached 5397 in 2025 with 3811 or 71 percent occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Security forces eliminated 2597 terrorists countrywide that year including 1800 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone.

Comparative data from the Centre for Research and Security Studies shows Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan together drove over 96 percent of violence-linked fatalities in the third quarter of 2025.

The province recorded 638 fatalities in that period marking a 64 percent surge from the previous quarter.

Regional media outlets including Geo News Dawn and ARY have consistently highlighted the Indian proxy dimension of Fitna al-Khawarij operations citing intelligence inputs.

No major international outlets have yet covered Wednesday’s specific strikes relying instead on local ISPR disclosures for verification.

Earlier this year similar intelligence-based operations in February neutralised 24 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demonstrating sustained momentum.

South Asia Terrorism Portal figures indicate over 37000 militants have been killed nationwide since 2004 underscoring the long-term cost of the insurgency.

Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies continue to maintain a high operational tempo along the western border.

The latest strikes come amid repeated attempts by banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan factions to regroup and launch cross-border attacks.

ISPR has reiterated that the counter-terrorism drive will proceed at full pace until the complete elimination of foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Local residents in Bara and Bannu have reported improved confidence in security forces following the swift neutralisation.

Arms and ammunition recovered in parallel clearance actions further degrade militant capabilities though exact inventories remain classified.

Defence analysts note that proactive intelligence-driven operations have significantly disrupted planned high-profile attacks in the province.

The federal government has allocated enhanced resources for border fencing and surveillance technology to seal infiltration routes.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merger with the former tribal districts has enabled fuller constitutional writ and coordinated policing.

Despite these gains sporadic incidents continue highlighting the need for sustained vigilance.

Pakistan’s security establishment remains fully committed to protecting national sovereignty and citizen safety.

Wednesday’s operations reaffirm the state’s zero-tolerance policy against all forms of terrorism.

The nation stands united behind its armed forces in the ongoing fight to eradicate this menace once and for all.