Three key commanders among those killed as security forces recover weapons, ammunition and foreign currency during operation, state media reports
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Security forces killed eight militants during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday, citing security sources.
According to the report, those killed belonged to what the state describes as Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Security sources said three key militant commanders were among the eight killed during the operation.
A substantial cache of weapons and ammunition, along with foreign currency, was also recovered from the militants, according to the report.
Operation Part of Azm-i-Istehkam Campaign
The intelligence-based operation was conducted as part of Azm-i-Istehkam, Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism campaign.
The initiative was launched in June 2024 as part of the state’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism across the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for what they described as timely and effective action in Dera Ismail Khan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the nation stood alongside the security forces in the fight against terrorism.
President Zardari, meanwhile, said attempts by terrorists allegedly operating with foreign backing and assistance from local facilitators would not be allowed to succeed.
KP Continues to Face Security Challenges
The operation comes amid persistent security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks in recent years.
According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), KP — excluding the merged districts — recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August, compared with 36 in July.
The figures represented a 50 per cent month-on-month increase in the number of attacks.
The latest operation in Dera Ismail Khan reflects continuing counterterrorism efforts as security forces seek to contain militant activity across the province.
