In a major counterterrorism success, Pakistani security forces killed 54 militants attempting to cross into the country from Afghanistan through the North Waziristan region, according to the military’s media wing, ISPR. This is reportedly the highest number of terrorists killed in a single operation since Pakistan began its campaign against militancy.
The infiltration attempt took place over two nights—April 25 and 26—in the Hassan Khel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region that has seen a sharp rise in terrorist activity over the past year. The attackers were intercepted and neutralized by Pakistani troops in what officials described as a precise and highly coordinated operation.
“These terrorists were trying to infiltrate into Pakistan to carry out high-profile attacks,” said the ISPR in a statement, adding that a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the militants. Intelligence reports suggest the group was acting under the direction of foreign handlers.
The military described the thwarted attempt as not only a security victory, but a blow to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which ended a ceasefire with the government in late 2022 and has since ramped up attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
ISPR also took aim at India, implying that recent terror activity could be linked to India’s strategic interests in the region. The statement accused India of trying to distract Pakistan’s military from its counterterrorism operations by increasing tensions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading of diplomatic ties.
In separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) on Friday and Saturday, 15 more terrorists were killed across KP in areas including Karak, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan. However, two Pakistani soldiers—Lance Naik Usman Mohmand and Sepoy Imran Khan—were martyred in the line of duty.
Pakistan has seen a major spike in militant violence this year. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, militant attacks in March alone crossed the 100-mark for the first time since 2014. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 now ranks Pakistan as the second most affected country, with terrorism-related deaths rising by 45% to 1,081 in the past year.
Despite the rising threat, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism, saying its forces remain fully alert and ready to protect the nation’s borders and citizens.
