Security forces have killed at least 47 terrorists during an infiltration attempt in Balochistan’s Zhob district and nine more in a three-day operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Dir, officials confirmed Tuesday, as Pakistan intensifies counter-terrorism efforts amid rising cross-border threats.
According to security sources, a large group of militants linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” attempted to cross into Zhob district from Afghanistan’s Sambaza area between August 7 and 9. Security forces detected their movement and launched a decisive operation, neutralising all 47 infiltrators. Sources revealed that most of the terrorists killed were Afghan nationals.
The attempted infiltration comes as Pakistan faces a surge in cross-border militancy since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Bordering provinces, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have seen a sharp rise in attacks targeting security personnel and civilians alike.
In a separate operation in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine militants were killed during a joint effort by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police. Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Muhammad Bilal confirmed that the operation spanned three days across nearly 20 square kilometres, involving areas such as Hill Top, Dobando Dara, Shandal Bagh, and Bagh Kale.
While five militant bodies have so far been recovered, clearance operations continue in the rain-hit, forested terrain. During the clashes, two civilians embraced martyrdom, while 10 personnel of police and CTD sustained injuries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the bravery of the CTD and police, praising their professionalism in neutralising nine terrorists in Dir. He extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and directed authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also hailed the security forces’ action, stating that their timely operation had foiled the militants’ “nefarious designs.”
Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) data highlights the growing scale of violence: 78 terror attacks in June alone left 100 dead and 189 injured, underscoring the sustained threat from militant outfits. Security forces, however, continue to carry out widespread counter-terrorism operations in KP and Balochistan, including targeted actions in Bajaur and Zhob.
