Security forces killed two terrorists, including a “high-value target (HVT)”, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district on Thursday, according to the military’s media wing.

       A press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the IBO was conducted based on the reported presence of terrorists.

       “During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists as a result of which HVT terrorist ringleader Ashraf Sheikh and terrorist Burhan Ullah were sent to hell,” the ISPR said.

       It added that the two were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including the targeted killing of innocent civilians. The ISPR further said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered.

       “Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism,” the ISPR said.

       Security forces had killed a terrorist in an exchange of fire during an IBO in KP’s North Waziristan district on Monday.

       Three militants were killed in an IBO in Titterkhel town of Lakki Marwat district on Saturday.

       Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

       According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a record six-year high.

       KP and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for over 90 per cent of all fatalities and 84pc of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations.