Security forces have killed 22 terrorists and injured 18 others in various Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) across Tirah valley, Khyber district, amid an uptick in terror incidents in the region, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR): “Of late, numerous terrorist incidents have occurred in general area Tirah, Khyber District against security forces as well as the innocent civilians, resulting in several casualties.

The security forces are conducting extensive IBOs in the area “against the khwarij”, the term used by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

During various IBOs conducted since December 14 2024, security forces have so far successfully neutralised 22 khwarij, while 18 khwarij have been injured, the ISPR said.

“The IBOs will continue till peace in the area is restored and khawrij are eliminated, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” ISPR added.

On January 7, armed terrorists, affiliated with various groups, are understood to have gradually moved out of the plains of Tirah valley here, taking refuge in vacant houses in the hilly terrain, as security forces have fortified their positions in key locations of the valley.

On Tuesday, an encounter took place in the general area of Tirah valley, where security forces “successfully neutralised two terrorists.”