In a recent intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) district, Pakistan’s security forces say they killed 13 terrorists who were allegedly backed by India. The operation, confirmed by the military’s media wing, comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat militancy in its border regions.
The Express Tribune
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Dawn
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The News International
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What Happened?
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), credible intelligence pointed to the presence of militants belonging to “Fitna al Khwarij”, described as an Indian proxy.
Geo News
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Dawn
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Radio Pakistan
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The security forces moved in on the hideout, and a fierce firefight ensued.
Xinhua News
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The News International
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By the end of the operation, 13 terrorists were confirmed dead. The ISPR says the troops also recovered weapons and ammunition from the site.
Geo News
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The News International
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Who Were These Terrorists?
According to the ISPR, these militants were no ordinary foot soldiers. They had been involved in serious crimes:
Facilitating a suicide bombing in Daraban in December 2023
Dawn
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The Express Tribune
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The News International
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Abductions of government officials or civilians
The Express Tribune
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The News International
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Targeted killings in the region
Geo News
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The News International
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Dawn
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The ISPR has termed these terrorists as part of the network of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan—a claim India denies.
The News International
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Dawn
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Reactions & Aftermath
The government and political leaders praised the action. The Prime Minister lauded security forces, stating that those behind the December 2023 attack have now “been sent to hell.”
The Express Tribune
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The President similarly commended the forces for protecting national security.
The Express Tribune
The ISPR also said a sanitization effort is underway to flush out any other militants in the area.
The News International
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Geo News
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Why the Claims Matter
Escalation of accusations
By labeling the terrorists “Indian-sponsored,” Pakistan is intensifying its security narrative and raising diplomatic pressure on India.
The News International
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Dawn
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Border security and infiltration
DI Khan lies close to Afghanistan, and security operations in such districts are sensitive. The mention of Indian backing raises concerns that foreign support might aid cross-border militancy.
Dunya News
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The News International
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Dawn
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Need for verification
Such claims—especially about external support—always demand thorough verification. Independent evidence and third-party scrutiny will matter a lot in how domestic and international audiences interpret the event.
What to Watch Next
Whether Afghan authorities respond to Pakistan’s claims about cross-border militant support.
Independent investigations or third-party reports to confirm or challenge Pakistan’s narrative.
How India reacts to the accusations, whether it rejects them outright or demands proof.
Further security operations in DI Khan and adjacent areas, to see whether militants’ networks are broken or reorganize.
In simple words: Pakistan’s military says it eliminated 13 terrorists in DI Khan during a carefully planned operation. It claims these terrorists had been part of serious attacks, and that they were supported by India. Whether those claims will hold under scrutiny or change the regional dynamics remains to be seen.