PESHAWAR: At least 12 militants were killed in a series of security operations conducted in Bajaur, Hangu, and North Waziristan districts between Friday night and Saturday, according to officials and local sources. The coordinated actions mark a continued escalation in Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign against militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In North Waziristan’s Jhallar area, security forces killed three militants and destroyed a vehicle being prepared for a suicide attack, averting what the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described as a “potential catastrophic attack.” Acting on intelligence, troops “effectively engaged” the militants’ hideout linked to “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used by the state for TTP militants.
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Meanwhile, in Bajaur’s War Mamund tehsil, five militants were killed and several others injured during a two-day targeted operation in the Badan area. Local residents said the militants had been using a mosque built for refugees as a hideout. The Bajaur Aman Jirga later staged a demonstration demanding that security operations avoid civilian casualties.
In Hangu, four militants were killed during a follow-up action after an IED attack on Friday that killed SP (Operations) Asad Zubair and two police guards. The SHO of Doaba Police Station was injured in the subsequent gunfight in the rugged mountain area.
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The ISPR said sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants, reaffirming that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.