Security forces killed seven terrorists linked to the India-backed network Fitna al-Khwarij in three intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on November 18 and 19, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first operation took place in Mohmand district after reports of militant presence. Troops engaged the hideout, and four terrorists were killed after an intense exchange of fire.

A second intelligence-led raid in Lakki Marwat resulted in the killing of two more terrorists.

ISPR said security forces used “effective tactics” to neutralise the suspects.

The third encounter occurred in Tank district, where one kharji terrorist was killed during a brief firefight.

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area,” the ISPR statement said, adding, “Relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.”