RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 18 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to security sources.
The operations were conducted against militants affiliated with groups referred to by authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. According to security sources, 13 terrorists were killed during the operation.
The sources said security forces maintained continuous surveillance of militant movements before targeting their hideouts in North Waziristan and surrounding areas.
The operation was carried out after intelligence indicated the presence of militants in the area. Security forces targeted the suspected hideouts and successfully neutralised 13 terrorists.
Meanwhile, another operation was conducted in Balochistan against militants described by authorities as Fitna al-Hindustan.
Five terrorists were killed during the operation in the Siyapast and Killi Gashtari areas of Mastung under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3, security sources said.
A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the militants killed during the operation.
Following the operations, clearance and search activities were launched in the affected areas to locate any remaining militants and ensure the areas were fully secured.
Security forces have reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism and maintaining peace and stability across the country. Operations against militant groups continue in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan based on intelligence information.
The latest operations come amid continued security efforts against militant networks operating in the two provinces.
Earlier, on September 18, security forces killed 17 terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six security personnel were martyred on September 17 when an improvised explosive device exploded during an operation.
The military’s media wing said 10 terrorists were killed during separate operations in North Waziristan and Hangu. The militants were identified as members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan-linked group referred to by authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij.
The ISPR said the militants were operating with Indian support. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during those operations.
Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations in areas considered vulnerable to militant activity. Officials have said such operations will continue until terrorist networks are dismantled and the threat of militancy is eliminated.
The latest casualties bring renewed focus to the security situation in KP and Balochistan, where security forces continue to conduct targeted operations against militant groups.
Authorities have stressed that intelligence-based operations, clearance activities and coordinated security measures will remain part of the ongoing strategy to counter terrorism and protect civilians.
