In a significant development on February 19, 2026, security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district neutralized four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that these individuals were part of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij by the state, and were identified as Indian-sponsored terrorists. The operation was a response to escalating violence in the region, which saw a dramatic increase in fatalities from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025, marking a 44% year-on-year surge. ISPR stated, "During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location and after an intense fire exchange, four khawarij were sent to hell," emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the area. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the military's efforts, asserting that the nation stands united against terrorism under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. Additionally, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, who had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region.