Two wanted India-backed terrorists were eliminated as security forces personnel conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Bannu District of Pakhtunkhwa, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to an ISPR statement released on Monday, the security forces carried out the operation on April 19 in Bannu district on the reported presence of hardcore terrorists.
"During the conduct of the operation, after intense exchange of fire, two khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij, including ring leader Waheedullah alias Muktiar, along with a suicide bomber were killed," the ISPR statement said.
Meanwhile, the security forces also recovered weapons including a suicide jacket, arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists’ hideout.
The ISPR said that ring leader Waheedullah was among the most-wanted terrorists on the list for his active involvement in numerous terrorist activities, including the martyrdom of security forces personnel and innocent civilians. "He was also the main handler of a suicide bomber in Bannu District on 21 February 2026, resulting into [martyrdom] of Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz Shaheed," it added.
The operation, the military’s media wing added, has "indeed avenged the heinous act and has brought the main perpetrator to justice."
Furthermore, it said, the timely action of security forces also averted a major catastrophe. "Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored [terrorists] found in the area," the ISPR said, adding the counter-terrorism campaign under vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
President, PM lauds security forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out a successful intelligence-based operation in Bannu, in which a key Khawarij ring leader and a suicide bomber were killed.
The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, praised the professional competence and bravery of the security forces, saying the elimination of the high-profile terrorists demonstrated their exceptional skill and courage.
“At a time when Pakistan is devoting all its efforts towards achieving regional and global peace, our enemies are trying to sabotage these initiatives through acts of terrorism. We will firmly defeat these anti-peace and anti-Islam conspiracies,” President Zardari remarked.
He said that the fight against terrorism, which was being fueled by external interference, would continue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the Government of Pakistan remained firmly committed to completely eradicating the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Mohsin Naqvi pays tribute to forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid rich tribute to members of the security forces for successful operation against Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists in Bannu.
In a statement released in Islamabad, Mohsin Naqvi lauded security forces for killing two most-wanted terrorists. “I salute the brave soldiers for killing two Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists,” he added.
The nation is proud of the brave soldiers of the security forces, Mohsin Naqvi said and added “The nation stands by the security forces.”
Reporters Ahmad Mansoor and Awais Kiyani