Four militants whom security sources described as India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij fighters were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the sources said on Saturday.
The raid was part of continuing work under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, which aims to wipe out Fitna al-Khawarij and secure lasting calm in the province. The sources said a substantial stockpile of weapons and ammunition was seized from the dead militants. Clearance operations are ongoing in the area to target any remaining fighters, they added.
Rising militant violence and cross-border tensions
Pakistan has seen a steep increase in cross-border attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban regained power in 2021. September 2026 saw the highest number of monthly militant attacks in 12 years.
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Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to stop its soil being used by militant groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan argues that the Taliban administration has not taken effective steps against groups blamed for attacks on security forces and civilians.
Stalled talks between Islamabad and Kabul
Several rounds of dialogue have so far failed to resolve differences between the two neighbours. Militant groups operating from Afghan territory remain a central source of disagreement.
