Twenty-five terrorists, including a top militant commander, were killed while eleven were injured after Pakistani security forces conducted “extensive” intelligence-based operations in the restive Khyber tribal district against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and two of its affiliate groups, the army said on Tuesday.

The operations were based on “robust intelligence” and resulted in major setbacks to Fitna al Khawarij and its affiliates, the Pakistan military’s media wing — the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) — said in a statement referring to the TTP.

“During these daring and highly successful operation being conducted since 20 August 2024, security forces have so far successfully neutralised twenty-five Khwarij, including Kharji ring leader Abuzar alias Saddam, who has been sent to hell, while eleven Khawrij have been injured,” the statement said. During the operations, four soldiers were also killed, it added.

Earlier this month, the government declared the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij and all other terrorists associated with the group as khariji, a reference to a group in earlier Islamic history who was involved in violence.

Appreciating the security forces for carrying out a successful operation against the Fitna al Khawarij, President Asif Ali Zardari vowed that the state will continue taking action until the complete eradication of terrorism.

“Security forces demonstrated courage and sent the terrorists to hell,” he said and paid tribute to the soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operations. “We will neither compromise on the peace and order of the country nor hesitate to make any sacrifices for the protection of the motherland,” he said.

Shehbaz resolve

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Balochistan province as he reiterated the unwavering resolve of his government to root out terrorism from the country.

Armed Baloch gunmen killed at least 37 people in separate attacks in Balochistan province on Monday.,