Security forces killed 19 linked to the Fitna al-Khwarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) in three separate engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during intelligence-based operations conducted on Sept. 9-10, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said security forces conducted the first such operation in general area Guluno, Mohmand district on the reported presence of Khwarij. During the conduct of operation, troops effectively engaged the khwarij, killing 14 of them after an intense exchange of fire.
The second intelligence based operation was conducted in general area Datta Khel, North Waziristan district. During the ensuing exchange of fire, security forces neutralized four Khwarij. The third encounter took place in Bannu District, resulting in the killing of one Khwarij.
The ISPR said forces had recovered weapons and ammunition from the India-sponsored khwarij, stating they were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas. It said forces are conducting sanitization operations to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, emphasizing security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country.
Pakistan is currently in the midst of a surge of terrorism emanating from across its border with Afghanistan, with the KP and Balochistan provinces bearing the brunt of the crisis. In August, per a report issued by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist incidents increased by 74% compared to July, with 194 fatalities from militant attacks.
A recent police report has suggested there are more than 8,000 TTP militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a majority of whom have crossed into Pakistan from neighboring Afghanistan. These militants, says the report are present in Peshawar, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Shangla and the erstwhile tribal areas.