Security forces neutralized two terrorists, including a key ring leader, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on April 19. The military’s media wing confirmed the operation targeted terrorists reportedly present in the area.
Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, the forces eliminated two militants affiliated with the Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khwarij group. Among those killed was Waheedullah, also known as Muktiar, the ring leader, along with a suicide bomber. Security personnel recovered a suicide vest, weapons, and ammunition from the site.
Waheedullah was listed among the most wanted terrorists due to his involvement in numerous attacks that resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians. Notably, he was the main handler of a suicide bomber responsible for the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz Shaheed in Bannu on February 21, 2026. The operation was described as delivering justice for that heinous act.
Security forces emphasized that the timely operation prevented a major disaster. A sanitization sweep is ongoing to eliminate any remaining Indian-backed terrorists in the vicinity. This effort is part of the broader counterterrorism campaign under the “Azm e Istehkam” vision, aimed at eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
Since the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a significant rise in cross-border terrorist activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan. In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” resulting in the deaths of approximately 684 Afghan Taliban operatives and affiliated militants, with over 900 injured. Additionally, 252 militant checkposts were destroyed, as confirmed by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
In October 2025, border clashes erupted after unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban and militants on Pakistan’s border posts. These confrontations led to the deaths of more than 200 Taliban militants and 23 Pakistani soldiers who were martyred defending the country. Despite multiple rounds of dialogue, no agreement has been reached due to the Afghan Taliban regime’s unwillingness to act against terrorist groups.
