ISLAMABAD: Security forces successfully neutralised eleven terroristsbelonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in two separateintelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province onJanuary 8, 2026, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations. Theoperations targeted militants in North Waziristan and Kurram districts,resulting in intense fire exchanges that led to the elimination of sixkhwarij in North Waziristan and five in Kurram. Weapons and ammunition wererecovered from the killed militants, who were actively involved in numerousterrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies, andcivilians. This development underscores the persistent threat in the regionand the resolve of Pakistani forces to counter it effectively.
The term Fitna al Khwarij, adopted by the Pakistani state since 2024,refers to militants associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan,portraying them as deviant elements causing chaos and rebellion againstlegitimate authority. This nomenclature draws from early Islamic history todelegitimise the group’s ideology and actions. The military’s media wingemphasised that these khwarij operate as proxies with external sponsorship,specifically alleging Indian involvement in supporting such elements todestabilise Pakistan. The successful engagements highlight theeffectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in disrupting militantnetworks and preventing further attacks.
These operations occur against a backdrop of heightened militancy in KhyberPakhtunkhwa throughout 2025, which recorded a significant surge interrorist incidents. Data from various security reports indicate that theprovince accounted for approximately 71 percent of nationwide terroristactivities, with thousands of incidents contributing to substantialcasualties among security personnel and civilians. The escalation has beenattributed to militants exploiting border areas and utilising advancedtactics, including improvised explosive devices and drone attacks. Despitethese challenges, counterterrorism efforts, including over 75,000intelligence-based operations nationwide in 2025, resulted in theneutralisation of thousands of militants, demonstrating sustained pressureon terrorist groups.
High-level civilian leadership expressed strong support for the securityforces following the latest operations. President Asif Ali Zardari, PrimeMinister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended theprofessionalism and bravery of the troops, reaffirming the state’sunwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism. President Zardarihighlighted that the fight would continue until the complete elimination ofFitna al Khwarij, while Prime Minister Sharif praised the timely actionsthat foiled militant designs. Such endorsements reflect a unified nationalresolve to prioritise internal security amid ongoing threats.
The broader context reveals that militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remainsconcentrated in districts like North Waziristan and Kurram, where borderporosity facilitates militant movements. Ongoing sanitisation operationsaim to clear residual threats and prevent regrouping. The military hasstressed that the counterterrorism campaign, under initiatives such asAzm-e-Istehkam approved by the Federal Apex Committee, will persist at fullpace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism. These efforts are part of acomprehensive strategy combining kinetic operations with measures toaddress ideological and logistical support for militants.
Analysts observe that while such successful engagements inflict significantlosses on militant groups, the persistence of attacks indicates the needfor continued vigilance and enhanced border management. The recovery ofweapons from the eliminated khwarij suggests active involvement in targetkillings and assaults on state institutions. As Pakistan navigates thissecurity landscape, the focus remains on disrupting networks, denying safehavens, and protecting civilian lives in affected regions.
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Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1966179/11-terrorists-killed-in-2-intelligence-based-operations-in-kp-ispr
Tags: Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ISPR, Fitna al Khwarij,Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
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