Rawalpindi, November 18, 2025: Security forces have killed at least 15 terrorists, including a key ringleader linked to the Indian-backed proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij, during two intelligence-based operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the operations were carried out between November 8 and 9 in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan.
The ISPR said the first operation was launched in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan after reports of terrorist presence. During the exchange of fire, 10 terrorists — including their commander, Alam Mehsud — were killed.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, security forces neutralised another five terrorists belonging to the same network.
“Sanitisation operations are underway to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored militants in the area,” the statement said, adding that the country’s counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework — approved by the federal apex committee on the National Action Plan — would continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-backed terrorism.
Separately, a suicide bomber was killed after detonating himself near a police station in Bannu on Tuesday, according to local police.
The explosion occurred at the Do Ghora Bridge, just metres away from the Basia Khel police station. Police said the attacker, riding a motorcycle, blew himself up shortly after approaching the area. No other casualties were reported.
Law enforcement personnel swiftly reached the scene, cordoned off the site, and launched an investigation. A motorcycle and the remains of the attacker were recovered from the spot.
The blast comes days after a deadly suicide attack at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex on November 11, which claimed 12 lives and injured at least 36 others, including lawyers and petitioners.
Following that incident, federal authorities arrested four members of a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan/Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP/FAK) cell believed to be linked to the Islamabad bombing.
