The operations were conducted on December 19 after credible intelligence pointed to the presence of militants in different parts of the province.
In Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces moved swiftly to surround a suspected hideout. A fierce exchange followed, and four militants were neutralized. The area was secured to prevent any escape.
In a second operation in Bannu district, troops acted on another tip-off. During the clash, five more militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, underscoring the group’s operational capacity.
ISPR said the militants were operating under foreign backing and had been involved in attacks on security personnel as well as the targeted killing of innocent civilians. Their activities, the statement added, posed a direct threat to peace and public safety.
Security forces have launched follow-up search and clearance operations in the surrounding areas to ensure no remaining threats are left behind. Officials stressed that vigilance remains high and that such operations will continue wherever credible intelligence is available.
The ISPR reaffirmed that Pakistan’s counterterrorism drive is being carried out under the National Action Plan and the vision of Azm e Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee. The goal, the military said, is clear and firm: to uproot terrorism in all its forms and deny space to any group operating with foreign support.
Authorities emphasized that the resolve of security forces and law enforcement agencies remains unshaken, as they work to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.
