Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district have successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists, killing 54 militants, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported on Sunday.
This operation marks the highest number of “khwarij” (a term used by the state to refer to terrorists) killed in a single engagement in the ongoing campaign against terrorism, according to the ISPR statement.
The incident occurred between the night of April 25-27, 2025, when a large group of militants attempted to infiltrate from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan. Security forces detected the movement of the terrorists and responded swiftly to thwart their attempt. The operation led to the death of all 54 militants. The ISPR emphasized that the terrorists were engaged with “precision and skill” to ensure the success of the operation.
In addition to the casualties, a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the slain militants. Intelligence reports suggest that the terrorists were infiltrating Pakistan on the orders of their “foreign masters” to carry out high-profile terrorist activities within the country.
The statement also addressed India’s ongoing accusations against Pakistan, asserting that the actions of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as Fitna al Khwarij (FAK) in the release, suggest external involvement. The ISPR linked these terrorist activities to efforts aimed at distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their counter-terrorism operations, alleging that India’s recent diplomatic maneuvers, including the downgrading of relations and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, were part of a strategy to create space for the TTP.
The ISPR commended the professionalism and preparedness of Pakistan’s security forces, highlighting their effectiveness in preventing a potential catastrophe. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its borders and eradicating terrorism.
This success comes amidst a broader wave of militant violence in Pakistan. On the previous day, the ISPR reported that two Pakistani soldiers were martyred, and 15 terrorists were killed in three separate engagements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Karak, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan led to the elimination of multiple terrorists, with the security forces neutralizing threats in each area.
Sadly, two soldiers, Lance Naik Usman Mohmand (28, from Charsadda) and Sepoy Imran Khan (26, from Kurram), made the ultimate sacrifice in these operations.
The rise in militant violence and counter-terrorism efforts has been particularly intense since March 2025, with the number of militant attacks increasing sharply, surpassing 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Pakistan now ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index for 2025, with terrorist-related fatalities increasing by 45% over the past year, totaling 1,081 deaths.
The ISPR concluded by stating that Pakistan’s security forces remain determined in their fight against terrorism and continue to achieve significant victories in safeguarding the nation.
