Pakistan Security Forces Eliminate 21 Terrorists in North Waziristan

Security forces in Pakistan have killed 21 alleged terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's North Waziristan over the last 72 hours. This information was released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

The military's media affairs wing stated that these operations targeted multiple terrorist locations in the Miranshah area and its surroundings. Following fierce fire exchanges, four alleged ring leaders were killed. The ISPR identified these individuals as Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa, and Imran alias Ayan. According to the ISPR, these alleged ring leaders were highly wanted for their involvement in numerous terrorist activities, including the killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians.

The ISPR referred to the killed individuals as belonging to "Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij," a term used by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates. With these recent killings, a total of 48 alleged terrorists have been eliminated since operations began last week, which included 27 previously reported deaths. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the alleged terrorists, who were reportedly involved in activities targeting civilians. Sanitization operations are expected to continue to clear remaining terrorists from the areas.

In separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, an alleged militant commander and two other individuals were killed, as reported by the local Police Peace Committee on Saturday. Shahid, described as a close associate and facilitator of militant commander Akhtar Muhammad and allegedly involved in several terrorist activities, was killed near Kangar Bridge during an operation on Friday night.

Separately, two bodies were recovered from Domel Link Road. The deceased were identified as Ghazi Marjan and Parvez, residents of Wanda Sarai Naurang area in Lakki Marwat district. Reports indicated that the two men had been abducted recently. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Furthermore, militants reportedly attempted to blow up Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road, causing partial damage to the bridge and a nearby mosque. No casualties were reported from this incident, and authorities have also launched investigations.

According to Dawn Pakistan, Muhammad Waseem Khan in Bannu contributed to this report.