RAWALPINDI, July 17, 2026: Security forces killed 24 militants during joint intelligence-based operations conducted across Bannu district and adjoining areas over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

The operations were launched following a recent increase in terrorist attacks targeting police personnel, law enforcement agencies and civilians in Bannu, including a vehicle-borne suicide bombing, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

ISPR said the Bannu counter-terrorism operations were aimed at locating those responsible for the attacks and dismantling their support infrastructure.

According to the statement, intense exchanges of fire took place between security personnel and militants during the operations. Twenty-four members of Fitna Al-Khwarij, which the military describes as an Indian-backed proxy group, were killed.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, ISPR said, adding that they had allegedly been involved in several terrorist attacks and the killing of civilians.

The military said security operations would continue in Bannu and surrounding areas to identify and pursue those involved in recent attacks.

ISPR added that the counter-terrorism campaign was being carried out under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations against foreign-sponsored terrorism across the country, the statement said.

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