HARNAI: Security forces killed a key commander of the Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij, identified as Saifullah, along with four associates during an intelligence-based operation in Harnai district, officials said on Saturday.
The operation marked the second major setback for Fitna al Khawarij in a week. Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan’s military said it had killed four militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Bajaur district, including a high-value target identified as Qari Amjad, also known as Mazahim, the deputy leader of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to security sources, the operation was launched on a tip-off regarding the presence of the Khawarij militants (term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) involved in cross-border subversive activities. The forces engaged the suspects in a brief exchange of fire, killing all five on the spot.
Preliminary reports suggest the slain militants were providing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and technical support to Fitna al-Khawarij — an Indian-backed proxy network blamed for a series of recent attacks in Balochistan.
Officials said the operation marks a significant success in ongoing counterterrorism efforts against insurgent groups operating with foreign backing in the province.
