The year 2024 witnessed major developments in terms of the security atmosphere of the country. On one hand, the number of attacks inflicted by various militant and non-state actors saw exponential growth. On the other hand, there was also a noticeable increase and success in terms of the Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) and search-based operations by the Law Enforcement Agencies of the country.
In the early months of 2024, Pakistan faced a resurgence of terrorism, particularly in its western and South –Western regions. The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) declared as Fitna al Khwarij intensified its operations, carrying out a series of attacks targeting civilians and security forces. During the month of November alone, TTP claimed a total of 207 attacks. During these attacks, a total of 26 Law Enforcement Agency personnel were martyred while another 70 were injured. Among these, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained a prime spot and hotbed for terrorist activities.
However, the response from Pakistan’s security apparatus was swift and robust. The armed forces, in collaboration with the police and intelligence agencies, launched multiple operations to neutralize terrorist threats. For instance, during the last eight months, a total of 32,173 intelligence-based operations were carried out, among which 4021 operations were carried out during the month of August 2024 alone. As a result of this, as per the ISPR, on an average daily basis, 130 operations were carried out in various parts of the country.
During these IBOs, at least 90 militants who were affiliated with the proscribed groups were killed.
On December 29 2024, seven militants were killed in an attack on the Purtagai post between Spinkai and Sararogha areas of South Waziristan Upper district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack was thwarted by the security forces beforehand.
Likewise, on December 29 2024, the security forces were targeted in the area of Makeen, district South Waziristan, in which at least 25 security personnel were injured in the attack, while one personal lost his life. However, in response to that attack, three militants were also neutralized by the security forces.
Similarly, on December 25, 2024, the Pakistan military’s media wing, ISPR, in a statement said that 13 militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Sararogha, South Waziristan Upper.
On December 18th, 2024, at least 6 bodies of militants were recovered after an intelligence-based operation in Kiri Haider, Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants were in possession of a vehicle full of explosives which was intercepted and blown up. During these operations, numerous senior members and commanders were also killed.
During a cross-firing between the security forces and militants in the district of Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a senior commander of TTP, Mawlana Taha Swati, was killed. TTP also issued a message acknowledging the death of Swati who was a member of the Rahbari Shura and assistant member of the Southern Zone. Swati was a close aide of former Deputy Chief of TTP, Mufti Muzahim, and now Head of the Southern Zone. He was also a prominent religious member of the TTP as a member of the Darul Ifta of the group. The year 2024 showcased Pakistan’s determination to counter terrorism and secure its populace. The combined efforts of LEAs, the military, and civilians resulted in significant setbacks for terrorist networks.
