ISLAMABAD: Security forces have killed 18 India-backed militants in multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, security sources said Wednesday.
The operations targeted Fitna al-Khawarij in KP under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision and Fitna al-Hindustan in Balochistan, according to the sources.
13 Militants Killed in North Waziristan
Security forces targeted militant hideouts in North Waziristan and adjoining areas of KP.
The operation resulted in the deaths of 13 militants, the sources said.
Separately, security forces carried out an operation against Fitna al-Hindustan in Mastung, Balochistan.
Five militants were killed in the operation.
Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants, according to the sources.
Following the operation, security personnel launched a clearance operation to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.
Pakistan Sees Rise in Militant Attacks
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years in September 2026.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 225 militant attacks were recorded across Pakistan in September.
The figure was 199 in August, marking a 13% increase.
Militant attacks have increased for the third consecutive month, according to the data.
Islamabad Urges Kabul to Act Against Militants
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to prevent their territory from being used by militant organisations to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Islamabad maintains that the Afghan Taliban government has failed to take effective action against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Despite several rounds of talks, Pakistan and Afghanistan have yet to resolve their differences.
The presence of militant groups operating from Afghan soil remains a major point of contention between the two countries.
