Pakistan: 21 Terrorists Killed in North Waziristan Operations

Pakistani security forces have killed 21 terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over the past 72 hours, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The operations focused on multiple terrorist locations within the general area of Miranshah and its surroundings. Four alleged ring leaders—Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa, and Imran alias Ayan—were among those killed during fierce fire exchanges. These individuals were reportedly wanted for their involvement in various terrorist activities, including the killings of security forces personnel and civilians.

The ISPR stated that these 21 fatalities, combined with 27 terrorists killed in operations during the preceding 72 hours, bring the total number of terrorists eliminated in the region since last week to 48. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the sites of the engagements.

Sanitization operations are expected to continue to clear remaining terrorists from the affected areas. The military affirmed that the counterterrorism campaign, operating under the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam' as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan, will proceed to address terrorism in the country.

On June 2, Section 144 was imposed indefinitely in the Miranshah subdivision, restricting movement and traffic due to security concerns. This measure followed a reported incident where security forces thwarted a suicide attack by terrorists on a military post near Miranshah.

Pakistan's security situation reportedly deteriorated in May 2026, primarily due to increased terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). In late May, security forces killed 11 terrorists in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan.

(Source: Dawn Pakistan)