Pakistani security forces killed 17 terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) - also referred to as Khawarij- during an intelligence-based operation in Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed.

According to security sources, the operation was carried out after intelligence confirmed the presence of the Mullah Nazir group in the remote Dareshk region.

Units from the Pakistan Army, Special Services Group (SSG), and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) jointly took part in the mission.

The operation stretched over two days as forces encircled the terrorists in a difficult mountainous area. By the end of the offensive, 17 fighters had been killed and over 10 sustained serious injuries. The fierce exchange also left at least three security officers injured.

Officials said that residents of the area welcomed the security personnel on their return, celebrating the successful operation against the terrorists . Locals praised the forces for restoring peace and pledged support to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

PM Shehbaz lauds security forces

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the forces for neutralizing the terrorists . He expressed prayers for the swift recovery of the injured personnel and commended the security agencies for thwarting what he called the “nefarious intentions” of the terrorists through timely action.

“The government and the armed forces are determined to completely eradicate terrorism. We will not allow anyone to disturb the peace of our land,” the prime minister affirmed.