Pakistan’s security forces have killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Lakki Marwat, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Sunday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted on March 15 after security agencies received intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants in the area.
During the operation, troops engaged the militants’ hideout, leading to a fierce exchange of fire. As a result, five members of the group referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij were killed.
Security officials also recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants, who were reportedly involved in several attacks in the region.
ISPR added that a sanitisation operation is currently underway to clear the area of any remaining militants. The operation is part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism campaign under the initiative Azm-e-Istehkam, which aims to eliminate militant networks operating in the country.
“Security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan,” the statement said.
Following the successful operation, Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their professionalism and courage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the armed forces for achieving significant progress against terrorism under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy. He emphasised that the entire nation stands united with Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against militancy.
President Zardari also appreciated the operation, stating that the militants were attempting to destabilise peace in Pakistan. He reaffirmed that the nation remains united in its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi also lauded the security forces for their bravery and professionalism, adding that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in combating terrorism.
Earlier the same day, at least six militants were killed in Kohat during a joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department and local police.
The recent operations come amid growing concerns over rising militant attacks in Pakistan. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that attacks in the country have increased significantly in recent years.
According to ACLED statistics, violent incidents rose from 658 in 2022 to 2,425 in 2025, while attacks linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan also surged sharply during the same period.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns at international forums about militant sanctuaries allegedly operating across the border in Afghanistan, an issue that has also been highlighted in discussions at the United Nations Security Council.
