Security operations across 15 districts in March resulted in 158 terrorist casualties in KP, marking one of the most significant escalations in the region’s counterterrorism campaign in recent months.
PESHAWAR – Security forces intensified their counterterrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in March, leading to a record 158 terrorist casualties in KP, according to official sources. The largest number of fatalities occurred in North Waziristan, where 40 militants were killed in intelligence-based operations.
Authorities conducted 73 targeted operations in 15 districts, relying heavily on intelligence inputs to neutralize high-profile threats. Dera Ismail Khan witnessed 25 militant deaths, followed by 20 in Mohmand district. Bannu and Mardan each reported 18 militant casualties. In South Waziristan, 13 militants were eliminated, while operations in Lakki Marwat accounted for 7 more.
Officials also confirmed additional terrorist casualties in KP including six in Bajaur, four in Khyber, and two each in Karak and Tank. One militant was killed in each of the districts of Charsadda, Swat, Hangu, and Peshawar. The month-long operations also led to the seizure of significant arms and ammunition stockpiles: 123 submachine guns, 29 rocket launchers, nine machine guns, 53 pistols, and 34 rifles.
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March also witnessed a spike in militant violence, with six suicide bombings—three each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—killing 59 people. These attacks claimed the lives of 15 civilians and 11 security personnel, while injuring 94 others, including 56 uniformed personnel and 38 civilians. One of the deadliest attacks occurred during Iftar hours in Bannu.
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Despite these attacks, officials say the sharp rise in terrorist casualties in KP reflects growing momentum in security forces’ efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure. March marked the deadliest month for militants since November last year, with over a 100 percent increase in fatalities compared to previous months.
