Security forces have eliminated 34 terrorists linked to the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij during a series of counterterrorism operations in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing confirmed on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted between October 13 and 15 across North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bannu districts. The coordinated missions aimed to dismantle networks of terrorists believed to be acting on behalf of foreign handlers.

In the first operation, which took place in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, security forces effectively engaged the militants’ hideout. “After an intense exchange of fire, eighteen Khawarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR said, confirming the death of 18 terrorists in the encounter.

Another IBO in South Waziristan resulted in the elimination of eight more militants. The third engagement in Bannu district also saw eight additional terrorists neutralised by Pakistani troops.

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Following the successful operations, sanitisation drives are underway to ensure that no remaining militants are present in the area. The military reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its counterterrorism operations in Pakistan under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the federal apex committee on the National Action Plan (NAP).

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue their relentless campaign to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the ISPR statement concluded.

These large-scale operations come amid growing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as Pakistan continues to urge the interim Afghan government to act against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. Despite repeated assurances, cross-border terror incidents have surged since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, particularly in KP and Balochistan.