Security forces on Thursday thwarted infiltration attempts by terrorists and killed between 45 and 50 militants belonging to the outlawed Fitna Al Khwarij network during a major operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohmand district.

According to security sources, the militants tried to take advantage of the ceasefire to infiltrate Pakistani territory, but the security forces successfully foiled the attempt and eliminated the attackers.

The security personnel cordoned off the area and commenced a clearance operation. The exchange of fire between the security forces and militants lasted several hours.

Meanwhile, additional operations in North and South Waziristan and Bannu districts resulted in the killing of 34 more terrorists between October 13 and 15, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

In North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, 18 militants were killed during a major intelligence-led operation.

Similarly, eight terrorists were neutralised in South Waziristan, and another eight in Bannu.

According to ISPR, all operations were conducted under Operation Azm-e-Istihkam, approved by the federal apex committee to eliminate residual terrorist networks across the country.

The operations also included sanitisation drives to root out remaining elements of Fitna Al Hindustan and Fitna Al Khwarij.

The military’s media wing said the slain militants were involved in various attacks against civilians and security forces.

Large caches of weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment were recovered from their possession.

UN confirms Al Qaeda and Khawarij presence in Afghanistan

In a related development, the United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, in its 36th report presented on July 24, 2025, expressed deep concern over the growing presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

The report confirmed solid evidence of Al Qaeda and Fitna Al Khwarij militants operating freely in Afghanistan, adding that the Taliban regime has granted these networks significant freedom of movement.

The report warned that such groups now pose a grave threat not only to Afghanistan but also to Central Asia and neighbouring countries.

It further revealed that Al Qaeda’s presence in Afghanistan primarily comprises Arab-origin fighters who previously fought alongside the Taliban against foreign forces.

These militants are active in Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kunar, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces of Afghanistan, the report stated.

The UN report also disclosed the existence of several active training camps in Afghanistan where militants are being prepared for operations across various countries.

Security experts said Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism drive is crucial in light of the growing militant activity inside Afghanistan, underscoring its significance for national security and regional peace.