ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces have intensified intelligence-based counterterrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two months as part of the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign aimed at eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the region.
Multiple hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists were destroyed during a recent intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, dealing a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the area, according to security sources.
Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group, which is based in Afghanistan and involved in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
The operation, conducted in the Khatti Kili area of North Waziristan, resulted in the killing of several terrorists, while a large cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives and other operational equipment was recovered from the terrorists.
Security forces have been carrying out effective intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past two months under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision.@OfficialDGISPR #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/0cRPWBMa71 pic.twitter.com/GjhaLK6rKS
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 3, 2026
Several terrorists injured
Security sources said initial reports also indicate that several other terrorists were injured during the operation, although efforts are continuing to verify the exact number of casualties.
The operation was launched after intelligence agencies received credible information regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.
Security personnel surrounded the hideout and carried out a targeted operation to neutralise the terrorists while minimising collateral damage.
According to the sources, special precautions were taken throughout the operation to ensure the safety of local residents and protect civilian lives and property. The security forces followed strict operational procedures to avoid harm to non-combatants during the intelligence-led action.
Officials said the ongoing operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision are focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks, and preventing attacks against civilians and security personnel.
Security sources reaffirmed that intelligence-based operations will continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in terrorism-affected districts, until lasting peace is restored and all terrorist elements are eliminated.
They added that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, protecting its citizens, and ensuring that terrorist groups are denied any safe haven within the country’s borders.
Key terrorist commander killed in Hangu
Earlier in Sunday, security forces killed the mastermind behind the July 30 attack on Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, security sources said on Sunday.
The killed terrorist was identified as Amir Muawiya, and he was killed during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu’s Chapri Naryab area, security sources said.
Also Read: Pakistan Security Forces Kill Key Terrorist Commander in Hangu Operation
Muawiya was a senior leader of Fitna-al-Khawarij in Kurram after Commander Kazim. He was wanted by the security forces in several other terrorist attacks, security sources said.
“Security forces have avenged the martyrdom of Hangu police personnel,” security sources said.
The attack on the Khazina Banda checkpost had claimed the lives of nine police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, and left 28 injured. Police officials said an exchange of fire had broken out after the terrorists attacked the checkpost, and 15 terrorists were killed in retaliatory action.
