Security forces eliminate 22 India-backed terrorists in major North Waziristan operation

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s security forces killed 22 terrorists linked to the banned Fitna al-Khawarij during an ongoing intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the sanitisation operation has been underway since May 17 in the Shewa area after credible intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants.

The military said troops engaged the militants in an intense exchange of fire over the last 24 hours, resulting in the killing of 22 terrorists allegedly backed by India.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the military, had been involved in multiple terrorist attacks and violent activities in the region.

The ISPR further stated that evidence gathered during the operation showed the militants had been coercing and intimidating local residents, allegedly using civilians as human shields to secure safe movement and operational cover.

The military described such tactics as “highly condemnable,” saying no justification could legitimise the deliberate endangerment of civilian lives.

Security forces have now cordoned off the area, while the clearance and sanitisation operation continues to eliminate any remaining militants hiding in the region.

The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the national strategy “Azm-i-Istehkam” would continue with full intensity to eradicate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Afghan interim government to dismantle sanctuaries allegedly being used by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but Pakistani officials say those concerns remain unaddressed.

The latest operation comes amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on militant networks following a series of deadly attacks targeting security personnel and law enforcement agencies across the country.