RAWALPINDI; Security forces killed seven terrorists, among them three Afghan nationals, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched after confirmed reports of the presence of militants referred to as Khwarij, a term used by the state for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The statement noted that Balochistan-based militant outfits are identified as Fitna al Hindustan to underline India’s alleged involvement in terrorism within Pakistan.
“During the operation, troops effectively targeted the hideout of these Indian-sponsored Khwarij. As a result, seven terrorists, including three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers, were neutralised,” the ISPR stated.
The military further stressed that Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations by preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have recently escalated, with Pakistan warning the UN Security Council earlier this week about terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan that pose a severe threat to its security — allegations denied by Kabul.
A clearance operation is underway in the area to ensure no other militants remain. “The security forces remain resolute in eliminating Indian-backed terrorism from Pakistan,” the statement added.
This latest encounter follows two earlier IBOs in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, where 31 militants were killed on September 13–14. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist violence in recent months, particularly in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP ended its ceasefire in November 2022 and vowed to step up attacks against security forces, police, and law enforcement personnel.
