Pakistan’s security forces kill eight militants in joint operation

Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies killed eight militants in a joint intelligence-based operation in the Bannu District of the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's media wing reported on Saturday.

The "India-backed" militants were engaged by the security forces and killed after an intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed men.

As per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation "reflects strengthened cooperation between Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, which have intensified intelligence-driven efforts across the region".

These coordinated measures aim to restrict militant mobility, dismantle facilitation networks, and prevent regrouping attempts, the army stated.

Security officials report that recent operations have yielded significant results, contributing to broader efforts to enhance peace and stability.

A follow-up operation was said to be underway to ensure no remaining militants were present in the area.

Officials added that Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate "foreign-sponsored terrorism" in the country.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge of militant activity, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, with Taliban factions and separatist groups continuing to challenge state authority.

The militants belong to factions linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and are referred to by officials as Fitna al-Hindustan, reflecting Islamabad’s assertion of India and Afghanistan's involvement in sponsoring violence in Pakistan.