Pakistan’s security forces have killed 23 militants, including a key commander, during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ISPR said the operations were carried out over the past 48 hours in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam and Bannu as part of the country’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
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The military said troops engaged multiple militant hideouts during the operations, resulting in intense exchanges of fire in which 23 militants described as members of “Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed.
Among those killed was commander Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib, who was identified as a highly wanted ring leader allegedly involved in attacks on security personnel and civilians. Authorities had reportedly announced a reward for information leading to his capture.
ISPR stated that the killing of the commander would deal a significant setback to militant networks operating in the affected areas.
During follow-up sanitisation operations, security forces also discovered and destroyed underground tunnels and bunkers allegedly used by militants for concealment and operational purposes.
According to the military, a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was recovered from the sites targeted during the operations.
The statement added that clearance operations remain ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants hiding in the region.
The military reiterated that Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy would continue in coordination with security and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
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Authorities say the operations are aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and preventing attacks in sensitive areas near the border regions.
Pakistan has intensified intelligence-based operations in recent months amid renewed concerns over militant activity in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining areas.