Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district conducted an intelligence-based operation that resulted in the death of two terrorists, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation was in response to reported terrorist presence in the area, and after an intense exchange of fire, the terrorists were eliminated. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain terrorists, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. A sanitization operation is ongoing to root out any other terrorists in the area, and the local populace has expressed support for the security forces’ efforts. This comes after previous successful operations in Khyber district and North Waziristan. Pakistan has seen an increase in terrorist activities, especially in KP and Balochistan, following the end of a ceasefire with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. A recent security report showed a significant increase in violence-related fatalities and injuries in 2023, with KP and Balochistan being the most affected areas.