Security forces kill eight India-backed terrorists in North Waziristan IBO: sources

Security forces killed eight terrorists belonging to India-sponsored Fitna-al Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, said security sources on Thursday.

The sources said the terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other equipment was recovered from the killed militants.

According to the sources, Fitna-al Khawarij terrorists attempted to use a mosque as a shield to evade the security forces.

Forces took measures to respect the sanctity of the mosque while targeting the terrorists, they said.

The operation comes days after security forces killed 19 terrorists belonging to India-sponsored Fitna-al Khawarij and Fitna-al Hindustan in multiple engagements in Balochistan since September 21, the military’s media wing had said in a statement on Wednesday. 

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence agencies reported the presence of multiple hideouts of India-backed militants in the general area of Shaban, Quetta, posing a threat to the local population.

“In order to safeguard the local populace and clear the area of terrorists, security forces have been conducting a clearance operation in the general area of Shaban, District Quetta, since 21 September 2026,” said the ISPR.

Following an intense exchange of fire, 13 India-sponsored terrorists have been killed so far, it added.

In separate engagements, on September 22 and 23, the security forces conducted pre-emptive intelligence-based operations in District Kech and District Quetta West, read the statement.

During the operations, troops effectively engaged the terrorists and, following an intense exchange of fire, six terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered.

During the exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said Subedar Muhammad Jamil, 39, a son of the soil, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced martyrdom, the ISPR said.

Pakistan has experienced a sharp increase in terror attacks, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan particularly affected, following the Afghan Taliban's return to power.