Three Terrorists Killed in Dera Ismail Khan Intelligence-Based Operation

Security forces killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Monday, citing security sources.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately commended the security forces following the operation.

The latest action came a day after security forces reported killing eight terrorists, including three key commanders, in another intelligence-based operation in the same district.

Leaders Praise Counterterrorism Operation

President Zardari said security operations were playing an important role in weakening terrorist networks. He also said militant elements operating with external support would not be allowed to achieve their objectives, according to state media.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the latest operation. He said counterterrorism efforts would continue until terrorism was eliminated.

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The government uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij for militants it identifies as members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

D.I. Khan Sees Repeated Security Operations

The latest operation follows a series of counterterrorism actions in Dera Ismail Khan and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

On October 4, security sources said eight terrorists were killed in an IBO in D.I. Khan. Three of those killed were described by the sources as key commanders. Authorities also reported recovering foreign currency and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.

The district has also witnessed deadly attacks in recent weeks. On September 26, a suicide bombing targeted a joint Customs, police and Excise checkpoint in Darazinda. The attack killed 13 people and injured 26 others, according to reports cited by state media.

Security forces have subsequently increased intelligence-based operations across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa amid renewed militant violence.

Operations Continue Under Azm-e-Istehkam

The latest operation forms part of the government’s broader counterterrorism efforts under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework.

Radio Pakistan reported that security forces remain committed to countering militant activity and restoring lasting peace.

The latest D.I. Khan operation also follows several other actions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. On October 3, security sources reported that five militants were killed during an IBO in South Waziristan, with weapons and ammunition recovered from the area.

Earlier, security forces reported killing 21 militants in multiple engagements across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between September 3 and 5, including operations in North Waziristan, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan.

Pakistan has repeatedly linked the renewed militant threat to groups operating from across the Afghanistan border, while urging the Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.