Security Forces Eliminate 24 Indian-Backed Terrorists in Bannu Operations

RAWALPINDI - Pakistan's security forces have killed 24 terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij during intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district and adjoining areas over the last 24 hours, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed .

🚨🇵🇰 BREAKING

Pakistan’s security forces killed 24+ Indian-backed Afghan TTP terrorists in Bannu and nearby areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the last 24 hours.

Several terrorist hideouts were also destroyed, with a large cache of leftover U.S. weapons recovered. pic.twitter.com/YbD0hIhgku

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 17, 2026

The operations were launched in response to a recent surge in terrorist activities, including attacks on police and a vehicle-borne suicide bombing in Bannu that targeted law enforcement agencies and innocent civilians .

Military's Statement

According to the ISPR statement, following fierce fire exchanges in Bannu district and adjoining areas, "24 khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij have been sent to hell" . A large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorists, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and the killing of innocent civilians .

"The operations in the area would continue and perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly acts will be brought to justice, as the relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision 'Azm-e-Istehkam' will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism," the ISPR added .

Leadership Commendation

President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for the successful operations, stating that killing 24 terrorists of Fitna-al-Khawarij "shows security forces' professional expertise, resolve and sacrifices" . He added that actions against "Fitna-al-Khawarij, who are operating under India's patronage, and their facilitators will be brought to their logical conclusion" .

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces, describing their timely and effective response as commendable and reiterating that "the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism and its facilitators remains the government's top priority" .

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces, calling them "our true heroes" and stating that "the entire nation takes pride in brave soldiers who kill India-sponsored terrorists" .

Broader Context

Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . Pakistan has frequently accused India of backing militant groups and Afghanistan of allowing the use of its soil for attacks, accusations that New Delhi and Kabul deny .