Security forces in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district killed four terrorists on Tuesday, according to the military’s media wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation was conducted based on the reported presence of terrorists, and resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition, and explosives. The ISPR stated that the militants were planning a high profile terrorist attack, which was averted due to the proactive response by the security forces. The statement also mentioned the elimination of three terrorists attempting to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, as well as the killing of five terrorists in a separate IBO in Balochistan. The increase in terror activity, particularly in KP and Balochistan, has been linked to the end of the ceasefire between the government and the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. Statistics from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed a surge in suicide attacks in 2023, with a high percentage of casualties inflicted upon security forces personnel.