As many as 31 terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) between September 13 and 14, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

 

According to the military’s media wing, an intelligence-based operation was conducted by security forces in Lakki Marwat upon the reported presence of Khwarij in the area.

 

“During the conduct of operation, troops effectively engaged the location, and after an intense fire exchange, fourteen Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell,” it said.

 

The ISPR further stated that another intelligence-based operation was carried out in Bannu district, and, in the ensuing fire exchange, 17 Khwarij were neutralised by the security forces. 

 

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country,” the statement concluded.

 

Pakistan has in recent months experienced a surge in terror incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan. After withdrawing from a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensified assaults on security forces, police and other law enforcement personnel.

 
Fitna al Khwarij is used to refer to terrorists belonging to the outlawed TTP while Balochistan-based groups have been labelled Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.