Pakistan’s security forces killed 23 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists - also referred to as Khawarij - in two separate intelligence-based operations in Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's wing said on Thursday.

The operations are part of the country’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign “Azm-e-Istehkam.”

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation targeted a group of Khawarij in the area. During a heavy exchange of fire, 12 terrorists were neutralized.

A second operation, based on fresh intelligence about another group in the same region, led to the elimination of 11 more Khawarij. Both groups were reportedly involved in terrorist activities under Indian patronage.

Continued counter-terrorism campaign

Sanitization operations are ongoing to remove any remaining militants in Kurram. The ISPR stressed that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eradicating terrorism sponsored or supported from abroad.

These operations are conducted under the Federal Apex Committee’s approved National Action Plan, with the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” aiming to maintain national security and regional stability.

The ISPR highlighted the determination of Pakistan’s military to continue intelligence-led counter-terrorism measures. “Operations will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism,” the statement read.