Security forces eliminated at least 33 militants in a wave of high-impact intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; 31 killed in Lakki Marwat and Bannu on September 13 and 14, and two more in Central Kurram today, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.

The first major operation was conducted in Lakki Marwat, where a fierce exchange of fire resulted in the killing of 14 militants. In a simultaneous effort in Bannu, 17 more were neutralized as security forces precisely targeted multiple hideouts.

“These operations dealt a decisive blow to the network of Indian-sponsored militants operating inside Pakistan,” the ISPR said, adding that both sanctuaries and logistics hubs linked to cross-border sponsorship were effectively dismantled.

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The military’s media wing emphasized that clearance operations remain ongoing across the province to ensure that no remnant of foreign-backed militancy is left to threaten regional peace and stability.

“The menace of terrorism orchestrated from across the border will be rooted out completely,” the ISPR reiterated.

Two More Militants Killed in Central Kurram

In a separate development, two additional militants were killed and three injured in an IBO in Khyber Wali Nallah, located in Central Kurram. A fierce gunfight broke out as security forces closed in on their position.

Sources revealed that the slain militants were carrying bags marked with ‘NDRF India’, pointing to a likely foreign link and further suggesting material support from across the border. Investigations are ongoing.

Pakistan Rolls Out New Border Strategy

In response to the escalating threat environment, Pakistan has launched a comprehensive border security strategy in Khyber and Bajaur aimed at cutting off TTP supply lines, curbing cross-border infiltration, and dismantling militant logistics networks.

The strategy includes heightened surveillance, increased patrols, and preemptive strikes during the critical September–February window, when militants typically regroup in hideouts near the Afghan border.

This move follows recent clashes in which 19 Pakistani soldiers were martyred, while 45 militants were killed during confrontations along the frontier.

“The objective is not only to safeguard the frontier but to break the TTP’s ability to wage sustained campaigns of violence inside Pakistan,” a senior security official explained.

Analysts believe the military gains must be paired with robust diplomatic efforts to address the cross-border dimension of the threat, particularly with Kabul, where many of the groups maintain sanctuaries.