ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed 11 terrorists in two separate operations in the country’s northwest, targeting militants involved in attacks on civilians and security personnel, the military’s media wing, ISPR, said on Saturday.
The operations took place in North Waziristan and Kurram districts of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan.
“On the reported presence of terrorists, an intelligence-based operation was conducted in North Waziristan. Troops effectively engaged the terrorist location, and after an intense exchange of fire, six terrorists were neutralized,” ISPR said.
A second operation in the Kurram District killed five more militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists.
The militants belonged to Fitna Al Khwarij, a group whose name references historical Kharijite rebels. The group has been active in northwest Pakistan, conducting ambushes on security convoys, target killings of civilians, and cross-border infiltration.
North Waziristan’s rugged terrain and porous border with Afghanistan have made it a longstanding stronghold for insurgents.
“Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other militants found in the area,” ISPR said, adding that Pakistan’s military and law enforcement agencies will continue operations under the national counter-terrorism strategy, “Azm-e-Istehkam.”
The campaign aims to remove foreign-supported and domestic terrorist networks threatening security and stability in Pakistan’s border regions.
The operations underscore Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability in its northwestern region, where militant groups have historically exploited remote terrain to stage attacks.
