Operation Azm-e-Istehkam explained
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (ur|آپریشن عزم استحکام) is a counter-insurgency operation launched by the government of Pakistan in June 2024.[4] The operation was approved by prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.[5] The operation will include not only military action, but also socio-economic uplift to deter extremism.[6]
Etymology
translates into "Commitment for Stability" or "Resolve for Stability". (Urdu: عزم) means "commitment" or "resolve", while (Urdu: استحکام) means "stability" in Urdu. The phrase Azm-e-Istehkam has been chosen by the government to emphasize onto the non-kinetic parameters of the operation aimed at socio-economic upliftment to counter extremism.[7]
Background
Pakistan has been facing a looming Islamist insurgency in North-Western parts of the country since 2001 that came to haunt Pakistani state in an aftermath of 9/11 attacks. The al-Qaeda terrorists fled Afghanistan seek refuge in the bordering Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. The insurgency blew up in 2004 when tensions rooted in the Pakistan Army's search for al-Qaeda fighters in Pakistan's mountainous Waziristan area escalated into armed resistance. Pakistan's actions were presented as its contribution to the U.S. War on terror.
The situation in erstwhile FATA further complicated with the emergence of Tehreek-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Local Pakistani jihadi fighters that had previously fought Soviets, with support from Central Asian militant groups along with Arab fighters of al-Qaeda, in 2007 formed TTP.
The TTP emerged as one of the most lethal groups with the goal to overthrow Government of Pakistan in Islamabad and replace it with a Taliban-style government.
History of Pakistan's previous military campaigns
Responding to the threat posed by the Islamists, Pakistan Army under command of General Kayani's tenure started to turn the tide in its war against terrorism. In order to contain the militants General Kayani launched series of military campaigns to recapture areas fallen in the hands of militants from 2007 to 2013 beginning with Operation Rah-e-Haq. The campaign that launched by Kayani ended with success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in late 2016. Pakistan Army under the Kayani Doctrine was able to capture six tribal agencies and four settled districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa including Swat and South Waziristan, which were two strongholds of TTP.
The last operation Zarb-e-Azb was conducted by the Kayani's successor General Raheel Sharif to purge last remaining agency of North Waziristan from the clutches of TTP. Thus, Pakistan Armed Forces successfully recaptured seven tribal agencies of FATA and four districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by conducting a bloody armed campaign from 2007 to 2016.
With help of military campaigns Pakistan Army was able to push back TTP into Afghanistan from where it continues to launch terrorist attacks on Pakistan. By 2014, the casualty rates from
terrorism in the country as a whole dropped by 40% as compared to 2011–2013, with even greater drops noted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite a large
massacre of schoolchildren by
TTP terrorists in the province in December 2014. The reduction in hostilities eventually changed the conflict from a war to a relatively low-level conflict. However,
massacre of schoolchildren in Peshawar and continues sense of insecurity forced Pakistani political leadership to draft
National Action Plan.
National Action Plan 2014 and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad 2017
See main article: National Action Plan (Pakistan) and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. On 24 December 2014, the Parliament of Pakistan approved a 20-point National Action Plan to counter terrorism and extremism, that had been chalked out by the National Counter Terrorism Authority. The decision was taken following a terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.[8] The plan was envisaged to undertake non-kinetic and kinetic measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
In line with National Action Plan, Pakistan launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad under its commander COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa. This operation was launched in order clean-off militants that escaped across country due to army's earlier campaigns in FATA. The operation was aimed at consolidating efforts of previous military campaigns.
Radd-ul-Fasaad vowed to tackle cross border militancy, purge sleeper cells in Urban Pakistan, flush of remnants militants escaped across country, and pursuit National Action Plan.The operation entailed the conduct of Broad Spectrum Security (Counter Terrorism) operations by Rangers in Punjab and Sindh, and by the Frontier Corps in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and focus on more effective border security management. Countrywide disarmament and explosive control were also given as additional objectives of the operation. The National Action Plan was pursued as the hallmark of this operation.[9] [10]
Radd-ul-Fasaad resulted in major successes in counter-terrorism.
As a result of Radd-ul-Fasaad, TTP suffered huge losses and divided into various splinter groups that weakened its operational capabilities. According to Delhi-based South Asian Terrorism Portal (SATP) 2019 was post peaceful year for Pakistan since the time of start of insurgency in 2004. According to SATP, The suicide attacks in Pakistan in 2019 was decreased to 8 from record high of 85 in 2009. By 2021, More than 375,000 operations have been carried out against terrorists, including over 150,000 in Sindh, 3,4000 in Punjab, more than 80,000 in Balochistan and over 92,000 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[11]
Operation was a tactical victory for Pakistan as country saw consolidation of gains of Operation Zarb-e-Azb by further denting the terrorist capability to carry out activities against Pakistan which was visible in drastic drop in suicide and IED attacks. Yet it deemed as a strategic failure due to failure of operation to achieve objectives of National Action Plan. The country failed to foster durable peace, specially after Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The political change in Afghanistan triggered new wave of terrorism in Pakistan. Since 2022 Pakistan has seen a visible uptick in terrorism-related incidents.
Resurgence in Insurgency since August 2021
After 2019, country saw slow implementation on the National Action Plan specially on its primary aim of combating extremism. Resultantly since fall of Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan is confronted with renewed threat of terrorism as TTP has been injected with fresh dose of strength due to the victory of Taliban in Afghanistan. The fresh recruits, easy access to US made weapons, and a sanctuary under the shadow of Afghan Taliban have once again bolstered the TTP to again target Pakistan. In 2023, Pakistan saw an increase in terror incidents, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terminated its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.[12] [13]
In 2022 After failure of negotiations, the TTP and the government announced a ceasefire in June 2022. However, in November 2022, the TTP renounced the ceasefire and called for nationwide attacks against Pakistan.
2022 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
See main article: 2022 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. Surge in terrorism led Pakistan to strike on TTP safe havens present on Afghan soil. On 16 April 2022, the Pakistani military conducted predawn airstrikes on multiple targets in Afghanistan's Spera District of Khost and Shultan District of Kunar provinces. Afghan officials said the attacks killed at least 47 civilians and injured 23 others. Initial reports described the attacks as either rocket strikes or aerial strikes carried out by a number of aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force, and Afghan officials claimed the operation was carried out by Pakistani military helicopters and jets. Pakistani officials initially denied Pakistan carried out the airstrikes, but Pakistani security officials later claimed the airstrikes involved drone strikes from inside Pakistani airspace, and that no aircraft were deployed. Some reports said the Pakistani airstrikes also targeted parts of Paktika Province. According to the Pakistani media and some Afghan media outlets, the attacks targeted militants belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
2022 Pakistani airstrikes marked the first instance of foreign country launching attack on Afghanistan after establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and withdrawal of US from Afghanistan.
2024 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
See main article: 2024 Afghanistan-Pakistan skirmishes. On 18 March 2024, in response to the attack from Afghanistan, Pakistan Air Force carried out two intelligence based airstrikes on Afghanistan's eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika. The Afghan government claim that Pakistan killed five women and three children. Pakistan denies this, claiming that it killed terrorists instead while targeting the Hafiz Gul Bahadur militant group, a splinter organization of the Pakistani Taliban, and that it had successfully killed Sehra alias Janan, a high-value target commander. Another commander, Abdullah Mehsud, was claimed to have been killed, but later released a video refuting the claim. It was also reported that Mehsud's house was targeted in which his wife and a minor son was killed. Pakistan went on to blame the Pakistani Taliban and its splinter militias for the deaths of hundreds of Pakistani civilians, and claimed that they used Afghanistan as a base and that they had support from within the Taliban.
2024 Pakistani airstrikes marks the third instance of foreign country launching attack on Afghanistan after establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and withdrawal of US from Afghanistan followed by 2022 Pakistani Airstrikes and 2022 US Drone attack in Kabul
Given the deteriorating law and order situation in North-West Pakistan, on 7 April 2023, Pakistan's National Security Committee under leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to launch a new military operation to root out militants posing threats to its western regions. The meeting was also attended by the Pakistan's new military leadership COAS Asim Munir and CJCSC Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
On 22 June 2024, Pakistan's Apex Committee on National Action Plan approved a new operation codenamed as Azb-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) that is meant to address slow implementation of National Action Plan specially by addressing its vow of healing extremism across Pakistan.
Approval and launch
On 22 June 2024, the operation was approved during a meeting of the Apex Committee on National Action Plan in Islamabad.[14] The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by key federal cabinet members, chief ministers from all provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, provincial chief secretaries, services chiefs, and others.[5]
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified on 25 June 2024 that "Operation would not be large scale operation.Sharif said Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is being “misunderstood” and compared to previous military operations such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Rah-e-Nijat. He said militants in these operations were killed for creating “no-go areas” in the country and for challenging the writ of the state, adding that they caused massive displacement of the population. There are currently no such no-go areas in the country as the ability of terrorist organizations to carry out large-scale organized operations inside Pakistan has been decisively defeated by past armed operations. Therefore, no large-scale military operation which would require population displacement is being contemplated.Its objective is to instill a new spirit and drive in the ongoing implementation of the revised National Action Plan, which was launched after a national consensus in the political arena. Operation Azm-e-Istekam is a multi-domain, multi-agency and national vision to bring about sustainable peace and stability in the country.[15] [16]
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on 28 June 2024 added that Pakistan may carry out cross border strikes inside Afghanistan on terrorist bases enjoying safe havens on Afghan soil.[17] [18]
Goals
The Operation is primarily aimed at speeding-up implementation of the Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) which was conceived in an aftermath of politico-military consensus in 2014 to combat extremism and terrorism within Pakistan. According to PMO statement, following objectives has been laid down in line with NAP.[19]
The main objective of the operation is to end extremism and terrorism decisively and comprehensively.[20] The operation aims to coordinate and coordinate efforts on multiple fronts to counter these threats, while intensifying efforts to curb terrorist activities through regional cooperation in the political and diplomatic arenas.
Timeline
June 2024
22 June
23 June
24 June
- Balochistan Liberation Army carried out an attack on a military base in Kalat allegedly claiming to have killed twelve soldiers, however official reports acknowledged the deaths of two Frontier Corps soldiers.
- Three militants were also killed in the attack.[21]
25 June
26 June
27 June
- On 27 June, in Tank District, military raids on insurgent bases killed ten militants[26] and a military operation in Bagh, Khyber District resulted in the deaths of seven militants and five Pakistani soldiers.[26]
- The house of Aslam Khan a tribal leader in the Lakki Marwat District was attacked by militants but caused no casualties.[21] Moreover, a police station in Peshawar was attacked by militant rockets causing no casualties.[21]
- Seven were injured on an attack on Frontier Corps vehicle in Quetta.[21]
28 June
- Pakistani ambassador to the United States, requested military aid including modern weaponry to aid in Operation Azm-e-Istehkam as well as addressing the need for strengthening of military ties between the two countries for fighting terrorism diplomatic comeback in Kabul.[27] [28] [29]
- Rahat Khan, an influential person in Swabi was killed by unknown militants.[21]
- Thirteen labourers were abducted from Tank District by militants, nine were rescued by a police operation.[21]
29 June
30 June
July 2024
1 July
- Three people were killed in a roadside bombing in Turbat District, Balochistan.[31] Along with two members of security forces were killed in a rocket attack on their post in Jamrud, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[31]
- Seven militants were killed in a military operation in Tirah including Pakistani Taliban commanders, Najeeb Abdul Ur Rehman and Ishfaq Muavia and two more militants were killed in a separate engagement in Lakki Marwat.[32] [33]
- A traffic Policeman was killed by militants in Peshawar.
- A person allegedly a militant was captured during a raid in Awaran District.
- Three civilians were killed and one injured in an attack in Turbat.[34]
2 July
3 July
4 July
5 July
6 July
7 July
8 July
9 July
10 July
11 July
12 July
13 July
14 July
- A local journalist was killed by militants in Nowshera District.[34]
- In Kalat District military carried out an offensive advancing rapidly in multiple areas such as Harboi, Iskalkoo, Chuto, Chashma, Maimonki, Aab-e-Dok, and also in the surroundings of Kalat District.[34]
15 July
See main article: Bannu Cantonment attack.
- The Pakistani Taliban launched two coordinated attacks on the military cantonment in Bannu.[69] [70] [71] A militant attacked the base with a vehicle loaded with explosives while another exploded a suicide vest outside the perimeter of the base. Eight soldiers and ten militants were killed[72] and about 141 people including 7 civilians were wounded in the attacks.[73] At least eight civilians were amongst the injured.[74] Several houses and buildings were damaged.[70] The attack caused significant casualties but was unsuccessful in its main aim to penetrate and capture the garrison.[75]
- Jaish E Fursaan E Muhammadi, a faction within the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility.[69] Military helicopters were dispatched to the region and ground troops were also deployed in the region.[74]
- A military operation is being conducted in the area by Pakistan Army.[70] The Special Service Group was also deployed in the area.[76]
- Moreover, two children were killed in North Waziristan in a landmine blast.[34]
16 July
- Five civilians (two children and two female health operatives) were killed in a militant attack on a health facility in Dera Ismail Khan. The military then engaged the militants, killing three of them. Two soldiers died in the skirmishes.[77] [78]
- Militants attacked a Police checkpoint in Bannu District but the attack was thwarted by a police counterattack.[34]
17 July
18 July
19 July
20 July
21 July
22 July
23 July
24 July
- In Hoshab, Balochistan, Pakistan Army conducted an intelligence based operation killing one militant while wounding two others. Their weapons and ammunition were also confiscated and a further clearance operation was carried out.[86]
- A gas pipeline from Sui to Karachi was damaged by Baloch Republican Guards in Kashmore District.[34]
- A Frontier Corps soldier was killed in Orakzai District during a militant raid on a security post.[34]
- Two policemen were injured in a militant attack on a security post in Swat District, the militants managed to flee.[34]
25 July
26 July
27 July
28 July
29 July
30 July
31 July
- An attack on a Balochistan Levies post in Milizai area of Pishin resulted in the deaths of two levies personnel.[92] Another attack on the same post just after eight hours wounded a policeman.[92]
- Moreover, an attack on Charwazgai check post in Khyber District claimed the lives of two policemen as well as wounding another, a civilian security guard at a nearby gas station was also wounded.[92]
- A private security was hijacked by militants who stole more than 50 million PKR.[34]
- Three people including a retired security personnel and his two relatives were killed in North Waziristan by militants.[34]
August
1 August
2 August
3 August
4 August
- A tribal jirga in Lakki Marwat asked the military to launch a comprehensive campaign to flush out all militants from the territory of the district as the militants were reported to become a serious threat to local security.[96]
5 August
6 August
7 August
8 August
9 August
- In Tirah, militants attacked three Pakistan Army positions along the border with Afghanistan, a heavy gun battle ensued between the security forces and militants of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group resulting in the confirmed deaths of four soldiers.
- Pakistan Army (local sources reported six military fatalities) personnel and four militants, about twelve soldiers were also wounded,[99] the militants also claimed to have destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier and a military excavator, moreover artillery shells were also launched in the area.[100]
- In Bannu a police SHO and two other officers were wounded in a militant attack on a police patrol, a civilian was killed and two civilians were wounded.[100]
- A policeman was also killed by militants in a separate incident in Bannu.[93]
10 August
11 August
- A dead body was recovered from Tank District.[93]
- Frontsman of the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan survived an assassination attempt.[93]
- An Oil and Gas Company employee survived an abduction attempt by militants in Lakki Marwat District.[93]
- Four soldiers including an officer were injured in a militant attack in North Waziristan.[93]
- The vehicle of a SHO was attacked by militants but caused no casualties.[93]
- Militants carried out three rockets attacks in Turbat.[93]
12 August
13 August
- A policeman was killed and another wounded in a grenade attack on a police checkpost in Lower Dir, with police retaliation forcing the militants to flee.[105]
- Militants also carried out an attack on a check post at Shangla’s tourist destination Yakhtangay but was thwarted by strong police retaliation.[105]
- A child was killed and 12 wounded, in militant attacks at a hotel and a bridge near Quetta Railways station.[105]
- A check post in Quetta was also attacked by militants but caused no casualties.[105]
- Militants also attacked a post in Noshki district, causing no casualties.[105] *In Khyber district, police claimed having repulsed two militant attacks, one on a police post and another near a protest camp by effectively engaging the militants.[105]
- A tribal elder was killed and another was severely wounded in a militant attack in Bajaur District.[93]
- Balochistan Liberation Army carried out a bomb blast at Sariab Mill Girls College in Quetta during preparations for independence day celebration.[93]
- Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh School in Quetta was also targeted with a bomb blast on August 13 in an explosion during preparations for independence day celebration.[93]
- Militants attacked a post in Panjgur District but no casualties were reported.[93]
- A bomb blast took place at Bugti Stadium in Kharan District causing no casualties. Six militants and four soldiers were killed in an engagement in South Waziristan.[93] *Two militants involved in the killing of the Panjgur DC were killed in Panjgur District.[93]
- Two people were killed and three wounded in militant attacks on civilian houses in Quetta.[93]
- A skirmish took place between Frontier Corps and separatists in Kharan District.[93]
- A girls’ high school on Munir Mengal Road in Quetta was attacked by militants.[93]
14 August
- In South Waziristan, a checkpost and a police station were attacked by militants but the militants were repulsed after an intense battle, the checkpost wasn't damaged but a civilian house was hit by a Mortar shell.[105]
- An alleged separatist was in Kech District during a raid.[93]
- A bomb blast occurred at a military checkpoint in Nushki District; no casualties were reported.[93] Unknown militants attacked a military camp in Kech District using heavy weaponry causing significant material damage.[93]
- A singer was detained in Quetta by security forces over allegations of being a separatist. A man was killed by militants in Kech District.[93]
- Two alleged separatists were detained from Kharan District by security forces.[93]
- Balochistan Liberation Front attacked seven military posts and a military camp in Awaran District killing six soldiers and wounding eleven more and also two checkpoints and military camp in Kech District killing three soldiers and wounding seven, militant casualties were unclear.[93]
15 August
- A huge police contingent including special operatives and Armoured Personnel Carriers was deployed in Dadu District against heavily armed militants who had previously killed a policeman, police operations were carried out in Mondar, Ismail Ja Bhan, Keti Jatoi and surrounding villages.[106]
- Seven militants were killed and five others were wounded in an intelligence based military operation carried out in Kurram District, their weapons and ammunition amongst other items were seized and a subsequent clearance operation was launched in the area.[107]
- A large militant contingent, of around fifty to sixty militants attacked Lakhani police post at the border of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the police launched its own counterattack forcing the militants to retreat.[108]
- A policeman was wounded in a militant attack in Lower Dir.[93]
- A pro-government "death squad" member was killed by unknown militants in Balochistan and a civilian was killed by the "death squad" group in Kech District.[93]
- Baloch Liberation Army attacked a military post in Kalat District wounding three Pakistan Army soldiers.[93]
16 August
17 August
18 August
- Two soldiers were killed and three were wounded in a militant attack on their convoy in Dera Ismail Khan while a policeman was killed and three others wounded in another militant attack in Lakki Marwat.[112]
- A Tablighi Jamat affiliated businessman was killed by militants in Bajaur District.[93]
- A traffic policeman was killed by militants in Bajaur District.[93]
- Two Police personnel including an SHO were killed in a militant attack in Lakki Marwat.[93]
19 August
20 August
21 August
- Two factions of Pakistani Taliban clashed over a financial dispute after looting of a cash transporting security vehicle, killing five militants.[116]
- A tribal elder was killed by militants in Bannu District.[93]
- Militants attacked a construction company and destroyed equipment in Kech District.[93]
22 August
23 August
- Three people including a security forces personnel were wounded in a militant attack outside a mosque in Bajaur District.[93]
24 August
25 August
- 23 civilians[120] were killed after being offloaded from their vehicles and their IDs being checked by Balochistan Liberation Army militants, the reason for twbir killing was described as belonging to the Punjabi ethnic group.[121]
- Several engagements tool place between law enforcement and militants in Balochistan leading to the deaths of at least twelve militants.[122]
- Militant attacks in Kalat District lead to eleven deaths including law enforcement.[122]
- Militants attacked a police station in Pasni, wounding policemen and destroying three vehicles.[122]
- A police station in Suntsar was ransacked with the militants capturing weaponry.[122]
- A Balochistan Levies station was attacked in Khadkocha with the personnel being taken captive.[122]
- Multiple other engagements tool place in Kalat, four Levies personnel, a policeman, two civilians and a tribal leader were amongst those killed.[122] Assistant commissioner of Kalat was wounded and four Levies personnel were wounded.[122]
- Many engagements occurred at the Quetta-Karachi highway with the traffic being blocked.[122] Levies and police stations in Mastung, Sibi, Panjgur, Mastung, Turbat, Bela, and Quetta were also attacked by militants.[122]
- A railway track linking Pakistan and Iran was destroyed near Mastung.[122]
- 6 people were killed by militants in Bolan.[123]
- The total death toll of the militant attacks in Balochistan was reported to be 26 civilians, 14 law enforcement personnel and 21 militants,[123] later the toll was reported to be 73–74 with only the civilian casualties being revised.[124] [125]
- A Sindhi man was killed by Balochistan Liberation Army.[93]
26 August
- Balochistan Liberation Army claimed that the attacks on the previous day, names as Operation Fidayeen Herof had killed 120 soldiers and they had briefly captured a military camp in Las Bela, the blockades on high way were lifted. Fidayeen Unit, Majeed Brigade, Special Tactics Operations Unit took part in this "operation".[93] However, most Pakistani and international sources state that only 14 Pakistani servicemen were killed.[126]
- Inter Services Public Relations released a statement about having killed 25 militants including a commander in a campaign in Khyber District since 20 August, meanwhile 4 soldiers were killed.[127]
- The bullet ridden dead bodies were discovered in Nasirabad District.[93]
27 August
28 August
29 August
30 August
- As a result of attacks against civilians and servicemen by the Balochistan Liberation Army which left over 70 dead, the Pakistani army ramped up operations and neutralised 5 BLA insurgents.[129]
- Two alleged separatists were captured by security forces from Kech District.[93]
31 August
- The Pakistani military intensified IBOs in the Tirah valley, killing 37 insurgents, including their ringleader, Abu Dhar, alias Saddam. The IBOs were carried out by the Special Service Group, and Pakistani casualties were said to be kept to a minimum.[130]
- Three militants were killed and four soldiers were injured in an operation in South Waziristan.
- Two bomb disposal unit personnel were wounded in a militant attack in South Waziristan.[93]
- Two soldiers were wounded in a militant attack on a helipad in Miranshah.[93]
September
1 September
- A bomb blast in Bajaur led to the death of one person and wounding of two others.
- Two people were wounded in a bomb blast in Quetta.[131]
- Two Policemen were injuredin Mianwali during a militant attack.[132]
2 September
- Three soldiers of the Frontier Constabulary and four private security guards were returned as a result of negotiations with militants.[132]
- Militants destroyed a government school in Buner and then as a police vehicle reach the area it was targeted in an IED attack but caused no casualties.[132]
3 September
- A police officer was killed by militants in Quetta. [132]
4 September
6 September
7 September
- Counter Terrorism Department captured 33 suspected militants in 475 intelligence based operations conducted throughout Punjab. These militants belonged to various organizations including Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Liwa Zainebiyoun. In addition five kg explosives, two grenades, two IEDs, 26 detonators, 73 ft fuse wire, four guns, ammunition, a large sum of cash, mobile phones amongst other contraband were seized.[133]
- Pakistan Army and Afghan Taliban clashed in multiple areas of Khost District and Kurram District[134] resulting in the deaths of at least eight Taliban including two commanders of the Afghan Taliban, Khalil and Jan Muhammad and further wounding of sixteen Afghan Taliban.[135] Five Pakistani personnel were also killed in the skirmishes. Open Source Intelligence also claimed one soviet-era T-62 tank operated by Afghan Taliban destroyed by the Pakistani forces.[136] [137]
- Two brothers of an SHO were killed by militants in Lakki Marwat District.[132]
8 September
9 September
- An explosion went off targeting a polio vaccination team wounding three healthcare workers, its responsibility was claimed by ISIS-K.[132]
- Militants threw a suicide vest when asked to stop at a post in Peshawar.[132]
10 September
- A bomb blast took place in Wana wounding six policemen and seven civilians but the main target of the explosion, the VC, survived the attack.[140]
- A suicide vest laden with 7 kg explosives was discovered in Peshawar.[140]
11 September
12 September
13 September
14 September
15 September
16 September
18 September
19 September
20 September
21 September
22 September
23 September
- Militants attacked a diplomatic convoy in Swat killing a policeman and wounding five others, the diplomatic convoy included diplomats from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia, and Tajikistan.[142]
- Two militants from Jaishul Umari faction of Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group of Pakistani Taliban were killed in a military operation in Bannu District.[132]
- Baloch Liberation Army claimed killing an alleged state informant in Quetta.[132]
- Two polio vaccine personnel were abducted by militants in Dera Ismail Khan District but later released on the condition of no longer participating in vaccination campaign.[132]
- Two alleged Baloch separatists were captured by security forces.[132]
24 September
- An alleged Baloch separatist was captured from Sargodha.[132]
- A police post was attacked by militants near Peshawar but a large police contingent was deployed and retaliated inflicting losses on the insurgents forcing them to retreat.[132]
- A militant was killed and six more wounded while two soldiers were wounded in an operation in North Waziristan.[132]
- A militant was killed and two escaped in a joint operation in Lakki Marwat District.[132]
- A civilian was killed and three wounded in a mortar attack on a house during an engagement between militants and soldiers.[132]
- One Pakistani Taliban commander was killed in an operation in Lakki Marwat District.[132]
- A nephew of a Police officer was killed when militants attacked the family of a SHO in Tank District.[132]
- A DSP of police was attacked by IEDs but his vehicle escaped in Dera Ismail Khan District.[132]
- Two militants were killed and two policemen wounded when militants attacked a Police van in Swat District.[132]
25 September
26 September
- A cop was killed and two other policemen were wounded in an insurgent attack in Bajaur District.[132]
- A soldier was killed by a militant sniper in South Waziristan.[132]
- Military forces conducted an operation in North Waziristan killing eight insurgents and wounding one.[132]
- Two people including a child were killed amd 23 others including 15 Policemen were wounded in an explosion targeting a police station in Swabi.[132]
27 September
- A police vehicle escorting a polio vaccination team was attacked in Tank District with the vehicle sustaining damage.[132]
28 September
- A construction company camp was attacked by separatists who destroyed equipment.[132]
- A politician of Balochistan National Party was killed by insurgents in Quetta.[132]
- An explosion in Bajaur District wounded three policemen and damaged their vehicle, the responsibility was claimed by ISIS-K.[132]
29 September
30 September
October
1 October
2 October
- A child and a militant were killed and a civilian wounded in an engagement between police and insurgents in Tank District.[143]
- A customs enforcement inspector and his driver were abducted by militants from North Waziristan.
- An alleged separatist was captured from Turbat.[143]
3 October
- A policeman was wounded in a militant attack near the SITE Superhighway of Karachi.[143]
- The vehicle of Deputy Commissioner of Shirani District was attacked by separatists but she remained unscathed.[143]
4 October
5 October
6 October
7 October
8 October
9 October
10 October
11 October
12 October
13 October
14 October
15 October
16 October
17 October
18 October
19 October
20 October
21 October
22 October
23 October
24 October
25 October
26 October
27 October
28 October
29 October
30 October
- Eight militants and three soldiers were killed while seven militants were wounded in an operation in Bannu District.[143]
31 October
November
1 November
- Nine people including five school children were killed and 29 others wounded in an explosion targeting a Police van near the Civil Hospital and Girls School Chowk in Mastung.[144]
- Ten alleged separatists were detained from the National University of Modern Language in Rawalpindi.[144]
2 November
3 November
4 November
5 November
6 November
7 November
8 November
9 November
- 26 people were killed and 50+ wounded in a suicide blast at the Quetta Railway Station.[144]
10 November
11 November
12 November
- A suspect, allegedly involved in the 2023 Peshawar Police Lines Mosque Blast that caused 84 fatalities, was captured.[144]
- Four alleged separatists was captured from Kech District.[144]
13 November
- A Policeman was killed by insurgents in Peshawar outside his home.[144]
- Four separatists, including a “high-value target” were killed in a military operation in Kech District.[144]
- Baloch insurgents reportedly blocked Jafri Kaur, Khwari Checkpoint and Chai, along the Coastal Highway between Ormara and Pasni, multiple vehicles transporting minerals were set alight.[144]
- In Ormara, separatists attacked a Levies Force post and a Coast Guard camp seizing weapons and equipment as well as inflicting casualties.[144]
- Separatists blocked roads and attacked vehicles carrying minerals Mastung, Turbat, Kharan, Gwarkop, Hoshap, Dera Bugti, Mashkay, Bolan, Buleda, Zamuran, Hironk, Panjgur, Barkhan, Awaran, Dukki, Kohlu, Tump and Gwadar.[144]
14 November
15 November
16 November
17 November
- A JUI-F leader was killed and five others wounded in a blast near a mosque in South Waziristan.[144]
- Six insurgents and one soldier were killed during an attack on a military base in Tirah.[144]
- Insurgents carried out a grenade attack on a cooking center in Orangi and opened indiscriminate fire [144]
18 November
- A public school in South Waziristan was damaged by insurgents using RPGs.[144]
- Nine insurgents and eight soldiers were killed during clashes in Tirah, seven soldiers and six insurgents were also wounded.[144]
- Seven Policemen were abducted in an ambush in Bannu District, their weapons and equipment was also seized but the policemen were released the next day.[144]
- An alleged separatist was captured from Panjgur District.[144]
- Two civilians were killed by militants in Khyber District.[144]
19 November
20 November
21 November
22 November
23 November
24 November
25 November
26 November
- An alleged separatist was captured from Kalat District.[144]
- An alleged separatist was wounded, captured and later died in Turbat.[144]
- A bomb disposal unit personnel was filled and two more wounded as a result of IED attack in South Waziristan.[144]
- Three insurgents were killed during an infiltration attempt across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan.[144]
- Two soldiers were wounded in a BLF attack on a military patrol in Kech District.[144]
- Two security guards were wounded in a bomb blast near the vehicle of a Commander Nazir Group affiliate.[144]
27 November
28 November
- Two alleged separatists including a policeman were captured from Karachi.[144]
- One Bomb Disposal Squad personnel was killed and two wounded during a blast on duty in Turbat.[144]
International reaction
According to ThePrint, the anti-terrorist operation was carried out under pressure from China,[145] as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been hit by terrorist attacks many times before.[146] Pakistan announced its new counterterrorism plan soon after Shehbaz Sharif returned from a five-day visit to China.[147]
Although Pakistan urges the US to provide modern small arms, a spokesperson of the US State Department said "We support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights."[148] Starting from 3 July, the American and Pakistani troops started two-week-long counterterrorism exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[37] [38]
Notes
- News: Datasheet - Pakistan. 2024-08-26. South Asia Terrorism Portal.
- News: Datasheet - Pakistan. 2024-08-26. South Asia Terrorism Portal.
- News: Datasheet - Pakistan. 2024-08-26. South Asia Terrorism Portal.
- Web site: Govt greenlights Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to reinvigorate counter-terrorism campaign. 22 June 2024. Pakistan Today.
- Web site: Pakistan launches 'Operation Azm-e-Istehkam' to eradicate terrorism. Khalid. Mehmood. June 22, 2024. The Express Tribune. en-PK.
- Web site: Sheikh . Irfan . 2024-06-22 . 'Azm-e-Istehkam' to defeat terrorism . 2024-06-23 . The Express Tribune . en-PK.
- News: . Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Pakistan launches 'reinvigorated' counter-terror drive . 2024-06-23 . www.thenews.com.pk . en.
- News: Operation Azm-i-Istehkam: Govt approves reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign . DAWN . 22 June 2024 . en.
- Web site: Shah . Kriti M. . 2017-03-31 . Radd-ul-Fasaad: Assessing Pakistan's New Counterterrorism Operation . 2024-06-28 . South Asian Voices . en.
- Web site: 2008-02-14 . Three years of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad completed . 2024-06-28 . Dunya News . en.
- Web site: Rehman . Laiq Ur . 2021-02-22 . Radd-ul-Fasad was aimed at destroying support base of terrorists: DG ISPR . 2024-06-28 . ARY NEWS . en-US.
- News: Terrorism-linked fatalities in Pakistan hit unprecedented levels in 2023: Think tank reports . The Hindu . 1 January 2024 . en-IN.
- News: Taliban militants in Pakistan end ceasefire with government - spokesman . Reuters . 28 November 2022.
- Web site: Govt approves "Operation Azm-e-Istehkam" to eliminate terrorism. www.radio.gov.pk.
- Web site: 2024-06-25 . Azm-e-Istehkam not a 'large-scale military operation,' clarifies PM Sharif amid growing criticism . 2024-06-28 . Arab News PK . en.
- Web site: APP . BR Web Desk . 2024-06-25 . Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to energise IBOs without population displacement: PM Shehbaz . 2024-06-28 . Brecorder . en.
- Web site: Desk . 2024-06-27 . Azm-e-Istehkam can target terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan: Khawaja Asif . 2024-06-28 . Aaj English TV . en.
- Web site: Terrorist hideouts may be hit on Afghan soil, says minister . 2024-06-28 . www.thenews.com.pk . en.
- Web site: PM approves reinvigorated counter-terrorism campaign with launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam . 2024-06-24 . www.radio.gov.pk . en.
- Web site: Pakistan launches 'Operation Azm-e-Istehkam' to eradicate terrorism. June 22, 2024. ARY NEWS.
- Web site: Pakistan: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2024. South Asia Terrorism Portal. 2 August 2024.
- News: Two paramilitary soldiers killed in northwest Pakistan by militants 'infiltrating from Afghanistan' — police. Arab News. 23 June 2024. 1 August 2024.
- zarrar_11PK . 1805673833577251129 . Footage from a drone strike in the Darga Peerpal area of Bannu District has surfaced, showing the targeted attack on militants associated with Majlis-e-Askari Karwan (AKG)..
- IntelShieldpk . 1805629664880120268 . CT Update : Drone attack on the hideouts of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group in Bannu, 3 terrorists was sent to hell while 3 were injured.
More Info awaited.
- Web site: 2024-06-26 . Pakistan security forces have arrested 2 key Pakistani Taliban commanders, an official says . 2024-06-26 . Associated Press . en.
- Web site: On 26-27 May 2024, twenty three terrorists were sent to hell by the security forces in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. ISPR.gov. 27 June 2024. 4 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan's envoy to US stresses need for modern arms for Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. June 28, 2024. June 30, 2024. The Tribune.
- Web site: Pakistan seeks modern military equipment from US for 'Operation Azm-e-Istehkam'. 30 June 2024. Pak Observer.
- News: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Pakistan urges US to provide modern smalls arms. 30 June 2024. Business Recorder.
- News: Pakistan to start second phase of Afghan deportations. Al Jazeera. 30 June 2024. 4 July 2024.
- Web site: 2 July 2024 . 3 civilians killed in a bomb explosion in Pakistan and 2 security personnel die in a rocket attack . 2 July 2024 . Associated Press . en.
- Web site: On 1 July 2024, nine terrorists were sent to hell by security forces in two seperate [sic] operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.. 1 July 2024. 4 July 2024. Inter Services Public Relations.
- News: Nine militants killed in two operations in northwest Pakistan — army. 1 July 2024. 4 July 2024. Arab news.
- Web site: Pakistan: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2024. South Asia Terrorism Portal. 3 August 2024.
- News: Pipeline supplying gas to Quetta blown up. 2 July 2024. 7 July 2024. Dawn.
- News: Woman, two children killed in Turbat firing, bomb blast. Dawn. 7 July 2024. 2 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan, US infantries begin 2-week anti-terror joint military drills. Andalou Agency. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan and US infantry begin joint anti-terror exercise. Middle East monitor. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: Former PTI Senator Hidayatullah Khan amongst 3 killed in bomb blast. Dawn. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: Ex-senator Hidayat Ullah among five killed in Bajaur explosion. Geo News. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan bombing kills five including former senator. Indian Express. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: 2 Police Officers Injured In Separate Attacks On Anti-Polio Teams In Northwest Pakistan. Times of India. 3 July 2024. 3 July 2024.
- News: Army says 'high-profile terrorist' killed during operation in northwest Pakistan. 4 July 2024. 4 July 2024. Arab news.
- News: Security forces eliminate high-profile terrorist in Bajaur. 3 July 2024. 4 July 2024. The Tribune.
- News: Bomb, gun attacks claim SSGC man, soldier's lives in Kalat. Dawn. 3 July 2024. 7 July 2024.
- News: Islamabad Police thwart major terrorism bid ahead of Muharram. The Tribune. 3 July 2024. 10 July 2024.
- News: Police thwart 'major disaster' in Islamabad after firefight. Daily Times. 3 July 2024. 10 July 2024.
- News: Pakistani forces kill militant commander behind deadly Gilgit-Baltistan bus attack – official. 4 July 2024. 4 July 2024. Arab news.
- News: Terrorist killed, 7 others injured during security operation in Diamer: GB interior minister. Dawn. 4 July 2024. 5 July 2024.
- News: At Least 3 Killed, 8 Injured In Northwest Pakistan Bomb Blast. Radio Free Europe Liberty. 5 July 2024. 5 July 2024.
- News: 3 killed, seven injured in Mardan remote-controlled bomb blast: police. Dawn. 5 July 2024. 5 July 2024.
- News: Three killed in bomb blast in Mardan. 5 July 2024. 5 July 2024.
- News: FC soldier wounded in Bolan blast. Dawn. 7 July 2024. 7 July 2024.
- News: Senior counter-terrorism official, passerby killed in Karachi gun attack — police. Arab News. 7 July 2024. 8 July 2024.
- News: CTD official DSP Ali Raza assassinated in Karachi: police. Dawn. 7 July 2024. 11 July 2024.
- News: 9 July 2024 . ASI, three minor nephews killed in DI Khan shooting . 9 July 2024 . The Tribune.
- News: 9 July 2024 . Army captain martyred in exchange of fire with terrorists in KP's North Waziristan: ISPR . 9 July 2024 . Dawn.
- News: 9 July 2024 . Two terrorists killed, one soldier martyred in North Waziristan: ISPR . 9 July 2024 . The Tribune.
- News: 9 July 2024 . 13 arrested in search operation . 9 July 2024 . The Tribune.
- News: 10 July 2024 . 5 security personnel martyred in KP . 10 July 2024 . Dawn.
- News: 9 July 2024 . Three paramilitary personnel abducted by militants in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . 12 July 2024 . Deccan Herald.
- News: CTD foils Muharram attack plan in Karachi. Samaa. 10 July 2024. 10 July 2024.
- News: 2 soldiers, 2 police officers martyred in intelligence-based operation in Peshawar's Hassan Khel: ISPR. Dawn. 10 July 2024. 10 July 2024.
- News: 4 security personnel killed in northwest Pakistan. Indian Express. 10 July 2024. 10 July 2024.
- News: Bodies of two security officials found in Tank. Dawn. 12 July 2024. 12 July 2024.
- News: CTD arrests two TTP terrorists in Karachi. Dunya news. 12 July 2024. 13 July 2024.
- News: 1 killed in roadside blast near FC vehicle in Quetta: rescue official. Dawn. 13 July 2024. 13 July 2024.
- News: CTD arrests TTP terrorist Hidayatullah in raid. Tribune. 13 July 2024. 13 July 2024.
- News: At Least 3 Troops Dead, Dozens Injured In Attack On Pakistani Garrison. Radio Free Europe Liberty. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
- Web site: Security forces foil terrorist attack in Bannu: state media. Dawn. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
- News: 4 Pakistani soldiers and 5 insurgents are killed in coordinated suicide attacks at military facility. Washington Post. 15 July 2024. 16 July 2024.
- News: 8 security officials martyred in suicide blast targeting Bannu Cantonment, 10 terrorists killed: ISPR. Dawn. 16 July 2024. 16 July 2024.
- News: At least 8 Pakistani soldiers killed in military base suicide attack. Al Jazeera. 16 July 2024. 17 July 2024.
- News: 8 civilians wounded in 2 coordinated suicide attacks near a military facility in northwest Pakistan. Hindustan Times. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
- News: Seven civilians injured as militants attack army cantonment in northwest Pakistan — police. Arab news. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
- News: 3 killed in car bomb-and-gun attack on Pakistan military compound. Voice of America. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan military says 28 dead in two militant attacks. Reuters. 16 July 2024. 16 July 2024.
- News: 2 soldiers, 5 civilians martyred in terror attack on Dera Ismail Khan health centre: ISPR. Dawn. 16 July 2024. 17 July 2024.
- News: CTD Punjab arrests senior Al-Qaeda leader in intelligence-based operation. Dawn. 19 July 2024. 19 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan Arrests Al-Qaeda Leader On Sabotage Rap. Radio Free Europe/Europe Liberty. 19 July 2024. 19 July 2024.
- News: Six killed in suspected militant violence in Pakistan, citizens hold protest rallies demanding peace. Arab news . 19 July 2024. 20 July 2024.
- News: 3 terrorists killed during infiltration attempt at Pak-Afghan border in KP's Dir: ISPR. Dawn . 22 July 2024. 23 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan: Militants blow up govt girls' school in restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. India TV . 22 July 2024. 22 July 2024.
- News: Three cops injured in Khyber explosion. Dawn . 23 July 2024. 23 July 2024.
- News: TTP Khawarij's Reign of Terror: Targeting Schools and Teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. WE news. 23 July 2024. 24 July 2024.
- Web site: On 24 July 24, Security Forces, conducted an Intelligence Based Operation in Hoshab District of Balochistan.. ISPR. 25 July 2024. 28 July 2024.
- News: Arrests in Bannu following govt-jirga agreement. Dawn. 25 July 2024. 25 July 2024.
- News: Four terrorists killed in Tank operation, says ISPR. Dawn. 28 July 2024. 28 July 2024.
- News: Pakistan PM condemns militant attack on Kurram police station, vows to eradicate extremist violence. Arab News. 27 July 2024. 27 July 2024.
- News: Five militants killed in separate operations across KP. Dawn. 30 July 2024. 30 July 2024.
- News: Two escape unhurt in suspected militant firing on UN vehicle in Pakistan— police . Arab news. 30 July 2024. 30 July 2024.
- News: Four security men martyred in Pishin, Khyber attacks. Dawn. 1 August 2024. 1 August 2024.
- Web site: Pakistan: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2024. South Asia Terrorism Portal. 5 August 2024.
- News: Two policemen killed as judges' convoy attacked by militants in northwestern Pakistan. Arab News. 2 August 2024. 2 August 2024.
- News: Four militants killed in Mardan operation. Dawn. 3 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
- News: Lakki jirga asks security forces to flush out militants. Dawn. 5 August 2024. 7 August 2024.
- News: Pakistan's counterterrorism force arrests militant leader for attacks on Rangers, Chinese workers. Arab news. 8 August 2024. 9 August 2024.
- News: Two Pakistani Militants Escape Police & Flee to Afghanistan. Afghanistan International. 8 August 2024. 9 August 2024.
- News: Militants stage deadly raid on Pakistani army posts near Afghan border. Voice of America. 9 August 2024. 10 August 2024.
- News: Three security personnel martyred in Khyber attack. Dawn. 10 August 2024. 10 August 2024.
- News: Three injured in attack targeting cops in Awaran. Dawn. 11 August 2024. 12 August 2024.
- News: Two 'SRA militants' arrested in Larkana CTD raid. Dawn. 11 August 2024. 12 August 2024.
- News: Three killed in Pakistan, Afghanistan border clash, Kabul says. Reuters. 13 August 2024. 13 August 2024.
- News: Four FC men martyred in South Waziristan attack. Dawn. 14 August 2024. 14 August 2024.
- News: Security posts attacked in KP, Balochistan areas. Dawn. 15 August 2024. 15 August 2024.
- News: Police commandos, APCs move into Dadu villages after cop's murder. Dawn. 16 August 2024. 16 August 2024.
- News: 7 militants killed, five injured in Kurram operation. Dawn. 16 August 2024. 16 August 2024.
- News: Terrorists' attack on Punjab-KP border check post thwarted. Dawn. 16 August 2024. 19 August 2024.
- News: 2 policemen among 5 injured in Peshawar IED blast: official. Dawn. 16 August 2024. 16 August 2024.
- News: Two injured in attack on pilgrims bus in DI Khan. Tribune. 16 August 2024. 16 August 2024.
- News: Three militants killed in North Waziristan operation. Dawn. 17 August 2024. 20 August 2024.
- News: Two soldiers, cop martyred in D.I. Khan, Lakki attacks. Dawn. 19 August 2024. 19 August 2024.
- News: Fear grips parts of Tirah as armed militants start patrols. Dawn. 20 August 2024. 20 August 2024.
- News: 3 terrorists involved in Panjgur DC murder killed in Mastung IBO: ISPR. Dawn. 20 August 2024. 23 August 2024.
- News: Four security men martyred in Afghan border clashes. Dawn. 20 August 2024. 23 August 2024.
- News: Five dead as cash van-robbing TTP factions clash. Tribune. 21 August 2024. 23 August 2024.
- News: Bandits kill at least 11 Pakistani police officers in ambush in Punjab province. The Guardian. 23 August 2024. 24 August 2024.
- News: 3 killed, policemen among 13 injured in Pishin blast. Dawn. 24 August 2024. 24 August 2024.
- News: Three SNGPL workers kidnapped in Bannu. Dawn. 25 August 2024. 27 August 2024.
- News: 23 travellers offloaded, shot dead in Balochistan's Musakhail after identity check: official. Dawn. 26 August 2024. 26 August 2024.
- News: At least 22 killed after having IDs checked in Pakistan. BBC. 26 August 2024. 26 August 2024.
- News: 12 terrorists neutralised as security forces repulse attacks across Balochistan: state media. Dawn. 26 August 2024. 26 August 2024.
- News: Balochistan rocked by violence as multiple attacks claim 40 lives; 21 terrorists killed. Dawn. 26 August 2024. 26 August 2024.
- News: More than 70 dead after militant attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan. Reuters. 27 August 2024. 27 August 2024.
- News: What's behind Pakistan's deadly Balochistan attacks, which left 74 dead?. Al Jazeera. 26 August 2024. 26 August 2024.
- Web site: Insurgents Kill 14 Soldiers in Southwestern Pakistan . 2024-08-31 . www.voanews.com.
- News: Security forces neutralise 25 terrorists, including ring leader, in Khyber district: ISPR. Dawn. 27 August 2024. 27 August 2024.
- News: 5 terrorists killed, 3 injured in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan: ISPR. Dawn. 30 August 2024. 30 August 2024.
- Web site: 5 terrorists killed, 3 injured in military operations in SW Pakistan-Xinhua . 2024-08-31 . english.news.cn.
- Web site: 2024-08-31 . Pakistan Army reports success in ongoing Tirah IBOs, 37 terrorists including ringleader killed . 2024-08-31 . The Express Tribune . en.
- News: One killed, four injured in Quetta, Bajaur blasts. Dawn. 2 September 2024. 2 September 2024.
- Web site: Pakistan: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2024. South Asia Terrorism Portal. 6 September 2024.
- News: 33 suspected terrorists in 475 intelligence-based operations. Dawn. 7 September 2024.
- News: Fierce border clashes erupt between Pakistan and Afghanistan . 7 September 2024 . Voice of America.
- Web site: 8 Afghan Taliban killed in retaliatory fire along Pak-Afghan border . 2024-09-09 . www.thenews.com.pk . en.
- Web site: Heavy losses for 'Afghan Taliban' as Pakistan responds to unprovoked cross-border fire . 2024-09-09 . www.geo.tv . en.
- Web site: Agency . Anadolu . 2024-09-09 . Pakistan reports eight Afghan casualties in latest border dispute . 2024-09-09 . The Express Tribune . en.
- News: Eight Afghan troops killed in border clash. 2024-09-09 . Dawn . en.
- News: Lakki shootings claim lives of two cops, one civilian. 2024-09-09 . Dawn . en.
- News: Six policemen among 13 hurt in Wana blast; varsity head attacked. 10 September 2024. Dawn . en.
- News: 9 terrorists arrested as Punjab CTD carries out 71 intelligence-based operations. Dawn. 14 September 2024.
- News: Cop martyred as diplomatic convoy comes under attack in Swat. Dawn. 24 September 2024.
- Web site: Timeline of Terrorist activity in Pakistan (October 2024). South Asia Terrorism Portal. 6 October 2024.
- Web site: Timeline of Terrorist activity in Pakistan (November 2024). South Asia Terrorism Portal. 8 November 2024.
- Web site: China behind Pakistan's new controversial anti-terror initiative Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: Report . 25 June 2024 . The Print . 2024-06-25.
- Web site: Sushant . Sareen . Azm-e-Istehkam: China's wish is Pakistan's command . Observer Research Foundation . 2024-06-24.
- Web site: Michael . Kugelman . Pakistan Unveils New Counterterrorism Plan . Foreign Policy . 2024-06-26.
- Web site: Jahanzaib . Ali . US supports Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts . 27 June 2024 . ARY news . 2024-06-30.
Pakistan