Pakistan’s security forces killed 22 terrorists during an ongoing sanitisation operation in North Waziristan, the military said Tuesday. The operation followed credible intelligence reports about militant presence in the Shewa area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The development matters because authorities continue nationwide counter-terrorism efforts amid rising militant violence in border regions.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation began on May 17 after intelligence agencies identified terrorist hideouts. Security forces engaged the militants during an intense exchange of fire in the targeted area. The military described the slain militants as members of the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij group. Officials said troops successfully neutralized all 22 terrorists during the latest phase of the operation.
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The military also recovered weapons and ammunition from the killed militants during the clearance operation. ISPR stated that the terrorists were allegedly involved in several attacks and violent activities in the region. Furthermore, authorities said militants had intimidated local residents and used civilians as human shields. The military strongly condemned actions that endangered innocent public lives during militant operations.
Meanwhile, security personnel have cordoned off the area and continue sanitisation efforts to locate remaining militants. Officials said the operation would proceed until the entire region is cleared of terrorist elements. The latest action follows several recent counter-terrorism operations near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. Security forces have increased intelligence-based operations amid concerns about militant infiltration and regional instability.
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The military reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the national counter-terrorism campaign under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy. The campaign was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under Pakistan’s National Action Plan framework. Officials said operations against foreign-sponsored terrorism would continue at full pace across affected regions. Analysts believe sustained operations remain central to improving security conditions in northwestern Pakistan.