Twenty-two terrorists allegedly linked to India-sponsored groups were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Tuesday.
Read More: Security forces kill 30 terrorists in major KP operations
The operation was launched after security forces received credible reports about the presence of militants associated with “Fitna al Khawarij”, a term used for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
#ISPR 22 Terrorists Eliminated
Rawalpindi, 25 November, 2025On 24 November 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in #Bannu District, #Pakistan, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to #India Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.
During the conduct of… pic.twitter.com/ybQUEqAkJ4
— Pakistan Armed Forces News (@PakistanFauj) November 25, 2025
According to the ISPR, Pakistani troops swiftly surrounded the identified compound, leading to an intense exchange of fire. During the confrontation, security personnel effectively targeted the militant hideout, eliminating 22 terrorists. A sanitisation process is now underway to ensure that no remaining militants are hiding in the vicinity.
#BREAKING Security forces conduct an intel-based operation in Bannu; 22 militants eliminated.
— DG ISPR pic.twitter.com/g0cVQ9U72z
— Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (@MansurQr) November 25, 2025
The military’s media wing said that the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue at full pace. It reiterated the state’s commitment to uprooting all forms of foreign-backed terrorism and ensuring long-term stability in the region. The operation marks another major step under Pakistan’s intensified anti-terror strategy.
At least 20 TTP linked militants, including 13 suicide bombers, majority Afghan nationals were killed in UCAV strikes on militant compounds in Bannu.
Two abandoned government schools in Narmi Khel, Bannu, were converted into TTP suicide-training centre.
The compounds, located… pic.twitter.com/dsXNByrT2e— Farzana Shah (@Jana_Shah) November 24, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for what he described as “major successes” in the fight against terrorism. He said the efforts aligned with the goals of the Azm-i-Istehkam initiative and reaffirmed that the nation stands united with the armed forces. “We are determined to eradicate terrorism in all its forms,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to face a surge in militant activity, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. The latest incident includes a deadly suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar a day earlier, which resulted in three FC personnel embracing martyrdom and 12 others sustaining injuries.
Read More: 17 TTP terrorists, including commanders, killed in Bannu operations
Initial reports indicated that the attackers intended to target a weekly assembly of around 400 FC personnel. Swift response from security forces prevented larger casualties, with two additional attackers being neutralised before they could breach the facility. According to APP, all three assailants were Afghan nationals.