Security forces have eliminated at least 15 terrorists, including a key ringleader linked to the Indian-backed outfit Fitna al-Khawarij, during two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

According to the military’s media wing, the operations were conducted between November 8 and 9 and specifically targeted terrorists being supported by India.

The ISPR reported that security forces launched an operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district after receiving intelligence about the presence of Khawarij militants. During the action, 10 terrorists, including their commander Alam Mehsud, were killed.

In a separate operation in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, security personnel neutralised five more terrorists, the statement added.

Read More: Security forces neutralise 20 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations

The military further said that sanitisation operations are underway to track down any remaining Indian-sponsored Khawarij in the region. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism drive under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the federal apex committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-backed terrorism across the country.

Meanwhile, in another incident, a suicide bomber died after detonating himself near a police station in Bannu on Tuesday. Police said the attack took place at Do Ghora Bridge, close to the Basia Khel police station, when a motorcyclist blew himself up. No other casualties were reported.

Authorities recovered the motorcycle and the attacker’s remains from the scene. A heavy police contingent reached the area, cordoned it off, and began an investigation.