RAWALPINDI: Security forces foiled an attempt by Indian-backed Fitna Al Khawarij militants to target civilians in Bannu, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.According to the military media wing, in early hours of 18 November 2025, in a failed attempt to target innocent civilians in Bannu District, one kharji belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khawarij got eliminated while planting an improvised explosive device.The incident highlights the growing desperation of the khawarij, who, due to sustained and effective pressure from Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, are increasingly resorting to cowardly attempts against soft targets. Their failed actions reflect their diminishing capabilities and frustration in the face of ongoing counter terrorism efforts.Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.Earlier, Sajjad alias Abu Zar, a key kharji ringleader, was killed along with 22 other Khawarij militants in intelligence-driven operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Tuesday.According to the military media wing, on 16-17 November 2025, twenty-three khawarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.On reported presence of Khawarij, an intelligence-based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in Bajaur District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location, resultantly eleven khawarij, including kharji ring leader Sajjad alias Abuzar were killed..In another intelligence-based operation conducted in Bannu District, own troops successfully neutralized twelve more khwarij.