Security forces eliminated 22 India-backed TTP militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, the ISPR said on Tuesday, adding that a sanitisation operation is now underway to clear the area of any remaining threats.
Operation Details
According to the military’s media wing, the November 24 operation was conducted on confirmed intelligence regarding the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used for TTP militants. Security forces engaged the terrorists in an intense exchange of fire, successfully neutralising 22 fighters linked to cross-border networks.
The ISPR added that a comprehensive sanitisation effort has been launched to eliminate any additional “Indian-proxy terrorists” in the vicinity, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision to uproot terrorism.
Leadership Praises Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the troops for the successful operation. In separate statements, both leaders praised the forces’ sacrifices and reiterated that the nation stands firmly behind them in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
Recent Surge in Terror Attacks
The latest IBO took place a day after three terrorists stormed the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar, where three FC personnel were martyred in a suicide blast followed by an armed assault. Security forces swiftly responded, killing the two additional attackers attempting to take hostages.
Last week, eight India-backed terrorists were neutralised in another Bannu operation, while 13 more were eliminated in separate actions in Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan.
Rising Threat Along Western Border
Terror incidents have sharply increased in recent years, particularly across KP and Balochistan. Police data shows that KP alone recorded over 600 attacks in the first eight months of 2025, resulting in the martyrdom of 79 police personnel and 138 civilians.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan interim administration to prevent TTP and associated groups from using Afghan soil for attacks — a concern that has led to heightened cross-border tensions in recent weeks.
