Six terrorists neutralized in two KP operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: At least six terrorists were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

According to the military’s media wing, the security forces conducted the operation in the general area of ​​Razmak district of North Waziristan on information about the presence of terrorists.

“During the operation, our forces effectively targeted the Khawarij location, as a result of which, five Khawarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR said.

In another IBO in the South Waziristan district, security forces neutralized ringleader Zabihullah Zikran, who was involved in several terrorist operations against security forces as well as targeted killings of innocent civilians.

It noted that the slain ringleader was “highly wanted” by law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, clearance operations are being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as “security forces are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country”.

Pakistan has seen a dramatic increase in attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, since the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan in 2021, with Islamabad claiming that enemy groups plan their attacks from Afghan soil.

According to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank, terrorist attacks increased by 42% in January 2025 compared to the previous month.

The data showed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded across the country, resulting in the deaths of 91 people, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians and 36 militants. Another 117 people were injured, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians and 10 militants.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the worst-hit province, followed by Balochistan. In the populated districts of KP, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in the deaths of 19 people, including 11 security personnel, six civilians and two militants.

There were 19 attacks in the tribal districts of KP (formerly FATA), resulting in the deaths of 46 people, including 13 security personnel, 8 civilians and 25 militants.