Thirty-one militants were killed by Pakistani security personnel in two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts of Lakki Marwat and Bannu on September 13 and 14, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Monday.

The operations targeted operatives of Fitna al Khwarij, a group allegedly backed by India. Acting on information regarding their whereabouts, security personnel launched an operation in Lakki Marwat. Following a fierce firefight, 14 insurgents were eliminated.

In a separate action in Bannu, 17 more extremists were neutralized in a shootout. The military’s media affairs branch added that clearance operations are ongoing in both areas to eliminate any remaining threats. The ISPR reiterated the commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism within the nation.