Dera Ismail Khan: Security forces killed eight terrorists during an intelligence based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, state run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday, citing security sources.
The report identified those killed as members of “Fitna al Khawarij”, a term used by the state for militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek i Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Security sources said three commanders were among those killed. The operation also recovered foreign currency, weapons, and ammunition.
According to the report, the intelligence based operation was conducted as part of Azm i Istehkam, an initiative approved in June 2024 as part of the government’s counterterrorism strategy.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces following the operation. The prime minister said the country stood with security personnel in efforts against terrorism.
President Zardari said attempts by militants operating with foreign support and local facilitators would not be allowed to succeed.
The operation comes amid continued militant activity and security operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed that the province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 militant attacks in August, up from 36 in July.
Security forces have conducted a series of intelligence based operations across the province in recent days. Five militants were reported killed in South Waziristan on Saturday, while seven were killed in North Waziristan on Friday.
Earlier operations were also reported in Mir Ali, Bara and Dera Ismail Khan, while security forces said 10 militants were killed in separate operations between September 15 and 17.
The province has also recorded attacks on security and emergency personnel. On September 18, an attack at the old Police Lines in Kohat killed 23 people and injured around 100, while eight militants were killed during the subsequent clearance operation.
On September 26, 14 people, including two rescue officials, were killed and 35 injured in an attack in Dera Ismail Khan involving a police checkpost and an ambulance.
