11 terrorists killed during operations in KP, Balochistan: state media

State media reported on Friday that security forces killed 11 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Five Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were killed in South Waziristan district of KP, according to a statement by security sources. The security forces were continuing effective operations against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in KP under the Azm-i-Istehkam vision.

The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the state to refer to TTP, while Balochistan-based groups have been designated as Fitna al-Hindustan to highlight India's alleged involvement in terrorism and destabilization across Pakistan. During the successful operation, security forces targeted and destroyed the hideouts of Fitna al Khawarij, killing five terrorists and recovering a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.

Security forces are committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism and ensuring sustainable peace in the country, according to the security sources. In a separate operation in Balochistan, security forces killed six terrorists in the Gorander and Mashkel areas. The terrorists were killed after attempting to flee after opening fire on a security checkpost.

Security forces remain determined to eliminate terrorism from across the country, as affirmed by the security sources. KP has been experiencing terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time. In August, the province recorded 54 terrorist attacks, compared to 36 in July, reflecting a 50% increase. In September, security forces killed three terrorists in an IBO in Mir Ali and five terrorists in Bara area of KP.

On Monday, four terrorists were killed in Dera Ismail Khan, and a suicide blast targeting the Aman Mela police checkpost in Darazinda tehsil of DI Khan claimed 12 lives and injured 35 others. On September 18, a major attack in Kohat claimed 23 lives and injured about 100 others.