Security forces neutralise 48 terrorists in North Waziristan over past 72 hours: ISPR

• Military’s media wing says four high-value ringleaders among those eliminated in Miran Shah area

• Sindh CTD arrests key operative supplying drones and electronic components to banned TTP

• Suspect linked to Afghanistan-based militant network via brother

 RAWALPINDI: Security forces on Saturday said they had neutralised 48 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan over the past 72 hours, according to the military’s media wing.

In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a suspected supplier of drones and electronic components allegedly linked to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khwarij).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “following fierce fire exchanges, during the last 72 hours, twenty-one more khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij, including four kharji ring leaders, have been sent to hell.”

In continuation of series of intelligence based operations being conducted by Security Forces, multiple Khwarijs’ locations were engaged in general area Miran Shah and surroundings in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Following fierce fire exchanges, in last… pic.twitter.com/ksZoUVeAGi

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) June 13, 2026

The statement added that the killed ringleaders were highly wanted for their involvement in multiple terrorist activities, including the killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians. “So far, in total, 48 khwarij have been killed in these highly skillful and precise operations,” it said.

The ISPR said multiple terrorists hideouts were targeted in the Miran Shah area and surrounding regions as part of continuing operations in the district. It identified the slain commanders as Kharji Khalid Raza alias Salar, Kharji Muftoon, Kharji Musa and Kharji Imran alias Ayan.

The military’s media wing said the elimination of the four commanders had dealt a significant blow to the TTP network operating in the area. It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who were involved in numerous violent activities and attacks on civilians.

The state uses the term “khwarij” for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliated groups.

The development comes amid a surge in terror-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where terrorists have increasingly used sophisticated weapons and tactics, including quadcopter-based attacks targeting police, security forces, and civilians.

Pakistan maintains that militant groups operate from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a claim denied by Kabul, as the two countries continue to face cross-border tensions, border clashes, and mutual allegations over militancy.

Islamabad has intensified targeted counterterrorism operations in its western regions in response to the worsening security situation and has repeatedly accused India of backing “Fitna al-Khwarij,” a charge New Delhi denies.

DRONE SUPPLY NETWORK

In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said it had arrested a key militant operative allegedly involved in procuring advanced drones, electronic components, and explosive-making materials for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In a statement, the CTD said the suspect, identified as Tahir, was linked to his brother Talal alias Zaid Baloch, described as an active TTP member based in Afghanistan and wanted by authorities.

According to the CTD, the suspect was responsible for procuring electronic equipment, advanced drones, mobile phone batteries, chips, inverters, and other devices for the TTP. He allegedly sourced drone motors, frames, propellers, batteries, and controller boards from markets in Karachi and online platforms.

The statement added that the equipment was procured from Karachi’s electronic markets, and evidence as well as the suspect’s confession indicated it was intended for use in improvised explosive devices, suicide jackets, and drone-based attacks.

Authorities said two kilograms of explosive material, along with a drone, battery, and remote control, were recovered from the suspect.

The CTD said further investigations and follow-up operations were underway based on information obtained during the arrest.