Seven terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation

Security forces killed seven terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday, according to state media.

The operation targeted suspected terrorist hideouts in the district. Security sources said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the site. The hideouts were also destroyed during the action.

The terrorists were identified as members of Fitna al Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for carrying out the operation. He said efforts by foreign supporters of terrorism and their local facilitators to destabilise the country would be thwarted. He also expressed confidence in the nation’s support for security personnel fighting terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the forces for their operations against militant groups. He reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.

The latest operation comes amid a series of security actions in North Waziristan and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On Thursday, security forces reportedly killed nine terrorists in another intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan. Thirteen militants were killed in a separate operation in the district on Wednesday, while five were reported killed on Tuesday.

Further operations were conducted in the region in recent weeks as security forces intensified efforts against militant networks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face serious security challenges. Data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed that the province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August, compared with 36 in July. This represented a 50 per cent increase in reported attacks.

The province has also witnessed deadly attacks on security installations and police facilities. A suicide bombing targeting the Aman Mela police checkpost in Darazinda, Dera Ismail Khan, on September 26 killed 12 people and injured 35 others. Earlier, an attack on the old Police Lines in Kohat on September 18 killed 23 people and injured around 100.

Security forces have continued conducting intelligence-led operations to disrupt militant networks, recover weapons and prevent further attacks. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to countering terrorism and strengthening security across the province.