KARACHI: Pakistan’s military said on Wednesday four militants were killed in multiple operations across the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province this week, the latest in a series of security actions as Islamabad grapples with escalating violence along its border with Afghanistan.
The operations took place on Nov. 17–18 in Bajaur, North Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan, areas that have seen a surge in attacks over the past two years. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) of using Afghan territory to plan and launch cross-border strikes, a charge Kabul denies. The increase in attacks has strained relations between the neighbors, with Islamabad urging Kabul to prevent militant sanctuaries on its soil.
The military also links the fighters to India, alleging they were part of “Indian-sponsored” networks operating in the region. New Delhi rejects such claims.
In its statement, the military said troops had acted on intelligence reports and “effectively engaged the khwarij location,” referring to an ideological term the army uses for violent extremist groups.
The army added that after an “intense fire exchange, one kharji was sent to hell.” The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from what it called the “Indian sponsored” militant.
