Security forces have killed 23 India-sponsored Khawarij militants in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Bajaur district, 11 militants were sent to hell during an intelligence-based operation conducted on a tip-off. Those killed include the group’s leader, Sajjad alias Abu Zar.

In Bannu district, 12 militants were eliminated in another intelligence-based operation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the security forces for the two successful operations and acknowledged the elimination of 23 terrorists.

He said that under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the security forces are achieving major successes in the fight against terrorism.

The operations against militants have increased in recent months due to the rise of terrorist incidents.

Earlier, Security forces conducted a major IBO in Balochistan’s Kalat district, killing four terrorists associated with the Indian proxy group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched on the night of November 1 following credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The security personnel engaged the terrorists in an exchange of fire, resulting in the deaths of four BLA members.