DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Security forces killed three Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), security sources said on Monday.
The operation was conducted after intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists in the area.
Security sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision to weaken militant networks in KP.
The latest operation comes a day after security forces killed eight India-backed terrorists in another IBO in Dera Ismail Khan.
According to security sources, three key commanders of Fitna al-Khawarij were among those killed in the previous operation.
Rise in Militant Attacks
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp 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 reported across Pakistan in September.
The figure was up from 199 attacks in August, marking a 13% increase. Militant attacks also rose for the third consecutive month.
Pakistan Raises Concerns With Kabul
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by militant groups to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban authorities have failed to take effective action against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Kabul has disputed Pakistan’s position.
Despite multiple rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul 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.
