Ten terrorists affiliated with the group Fitna al-Khawarij, backed by India, were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by security forces in the Lal Qila Maidan area of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The operation was launched following reports of terrorist presence in the region. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), seven soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire. The fallen included two naiks, one lance naik and four sepoys.

Among those martyred was 39-year-old Naik Abdul Jalil from North Waziristan. Naik Gul Jan, aged 38, hailed from Lakki Marwat. Lance Naik Azmatullah, aged 28, was also from Lakki Marwat. Sepoy Abdul Malik, aged 28, was a resident of Khyber district, while 27-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Amjad belonged to Malakand. Sepoy Muhammad Dawood, aged 23, was from Swat, and 21-year-old Sepoy Fazal Qayum was from Dera Ismail Khan.

The India-sponsored militants had taken innocent civilians hostage. All soldiers lost their lives while courageously fighting to protect these civilians. Intelligence reports suggest that Afghan nationals were directly involved in the attack.

Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to act responsibly and prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities within Pakistan. A sanitisation operation is under way to eliminate remaining militants of the same group.

Security forces remain committed to eradicate the India-backed terrorism from the country. Such sacrifices by the brave personnel further strengthen the resolve of the armed forces.

Also Read: 35 TTP terrorists killed, 12 soldiers martyred in KP IBOs

Earlier, between September 10 and 13, Pakistan’s security forces carried out intensive operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, neutralising 35 terrorists linked to the Indian-backed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), twelve brave soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the motherland.

The first operation was conducted in Bajaur District following intelligence reports about the presence of militants. During the engagement, security forces confronted the Khawarij and successfully neutralized 22 terrorists after an intense exchange of fire.

In a separate encounter in South Waziristan District, 13 more militants were eliminated. These individuals were actively involved in terrorist activities in the region, and security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the site.

During these operations, 12 Pakistan Army personnel lost their lives while gallantly confronting heavily armed militants.

The ISPR also said intelligence confirms the involvement of Afghan nationals in these attacks.

Sanitisation operations are ongoing to ensure any remaining Indian-backed Khawarij are eliminated, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, added military's media wing.