Security forces neutralised four terrorists linked to the Indian-sponsored group Fitna al-Khawarij during multiple operations conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) between November 17 and 18, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.

According to the military’s media wing, an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was launched in Bajaur after reports surfaced regarding the presence of militants in the district. During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists’ hideout, killing one militant after a fierce exchange of fire.

Two additional terrorists were eliminated in separate IBOs carried out in the Spinwam and Zakir Khel areas of North Waziristan. In another encounter in Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces successfully neutralised a fourth terrorist.

ISPR confirmed that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were described as Indian-sponsored Khawarij involved in numerous attacks in the region. “Sanitisation operations are currently underway to ensure no other Indian-backed terrorist remains in the area,” the statement added.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to a full-scale counterterrorism drive under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, vowing that operations will continue alongside law enforcement agencies to eradicate foreign-backed militancy in Pakistan.

These latest actions follow earlier engagements on November 16 and 17, during which security forces neutralised 23 Indian-sponsored terrorists in various parts of KP.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border terrorist incidents since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. KP and Balochistan—both located along the Afghan border—have been the most affected. A police report revealed that KP alone recorded over 600 terror incidents during the first eight months of 2025, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 79 police personnel and the deaths of 138 civilians.