Pakistan’s security forces killed 18 terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan on Wednesday, according to security sources.

Thirteen militants were killed in North Waziristan and adjoining areas of KP. The operation targeted hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy.

Separately, five militants of Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in Mastung district of Balochistan. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from both sites, sources said.

Clearance operations are continuing in the affected areas to find any remaining militants.

The operations come amid a sharp rise in militant violence. Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, the highest monthly total in 12 years, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.

That is a 13 per cent increase from the 199 attacks recorded in August. It is the third consecutive monthly rise.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop militant groups from using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan. Kabul disputes the claim.