ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that security forces have killed 21 militants of Fitna al Khawarij over the past three days in ongoing intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan, bringing the total number of militants killed since June 1 to 48.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), multiple militant hideouts were targeted in the Miran Shah area and surrounding regions of the northwestern tribal district, where intense exchanges of fire took place during the latest phase of operations.
The military said the individuals killed belonged to what it described as an “Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij” network. Among those killed in the latest operations were four militant commanders identified as Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa, and Imran alias Ayan.
The ISPR said the slain commanders were involved in numerous attacks on security forces and civilians. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the sites of the engagements.
With the latest casualties, the total number of militants killed in a series of operations conducted since June 1 has risen to 48, the statement added.
Security forces are continuing sanitisation operations in the area to clear remaining militant presence, while the counterterrorism campaign under the national framework continues across the country.
North Waziristan, located along the Afghan border, has long been a focus of military operations against militant groups, though security forces continue to conduct periodic intelligence-based actions to eliminate remaining threats.
