Pakistan army says 23 militants killed in operations near Afghan border

Pakistan’s military has said that security forces killed 23 militants in the country’s northwestern Kurram District during two intelligence-based operations on Wednesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Thursday that the militants were linked to a network it called “Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij,” a label it uses for Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants.

The statement said troops launched targeted operations after receiving confirmed intelligence about militant activity.

During the first operation, soldiers engaged a militant hideout, killing 12 militants. A second action in the same area intercepted another group, resulting in 11 more deaths, the statement added.

ISPR said troops are carrying out “sanitization operations” to ensure the area is fully cleared of any remaining militants.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to counterterrorism under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy, approved by Pakistan’s Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, aimed at eliminating foreign-backed terrorism.

Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of failing to act against members of TTP, a militant group that Islamabad says operates from Afghan soil. Kabul denies the allegation, insisting Pakistan must address its own security challenges.

The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks on Pakistani police and soldiers since 2007 as part of a campaign to impose a strict form of Islamic law.

Recent militant attacks have worsened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both sides exchanged heavy fire during border clashes in October that killed dozens, including soldiers, before agreeing to a temporary ceasefire in Doha last month.