Seven militants killed in North Waziristan operation; PM, interior minister laud security forces

Security forces killed seven militants in an intelligence-based operation in Eidik, North Waziristan, as part of the ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam framework, sources said, drawing praise from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

According to the sources, security personnel pursued the militants and destroyed their hideouts in what they described as a decisive action against the group, adding that the operation also restricted the militants’ ability to operate in the area.

PM, interior minister react

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised security forces for their ongoing counterterrorism operations in North Waziristan, particularly the Eidik operation, saying the coordinated action against militants reflected the professionalism of the security forces and the nation’s resolve to combat terrorism. He also commended the destruction of militant hideouts, saying the performance of security forces and law-enforcement personnel was vital to ensuring the country’s peace and security. PM Shehbaz said the entire nation stood alongside the security forces in defeating the “nefarious designs” of militants, and expressed confidence that operations would continue until all terrorist elements were eliminated.

Naqvi, in a statement, described the personnel involved in the operation as national heroes, saying their sacrifices and achievements in the fight against terrorism were worthy of recognition. “The brave sons of the soil who eliminated seven Indian-sponsored terrorists are heroes of the nation,” he said, commending the security forces’ professional capabilities in thwarting the militants’ alleged plans and reaffirming the government’s appreciation for their efforts against terrorism.

Separate operation in Mir Ali

Earlier in the week, on September 30, security forces killed three militants during a separate intelligence-based operation in Mir Ali, North Waziristan. The sources said hideouts of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, referred to by the state as Fitna al Khawarij, were targeted in Mir Ali and surrounding areas, with a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition reportedly recovered from those killed. Security forces also foiled an attempt by militants to intercept a ration truck near Mir Ali Bazaar, PTV reported. That operation was also part of the Azm-i-Istehkam campaign.

Part of a wider pattern of attacks and operations in KP

The Eidik and Mir Ali operations come amid a series of militant attacks and counterterrorism actions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent weeks. Security forces killed five militants in an operation in Bara on September 29, and four in Dera Ismail Khan on September 28.

A suicide attack on the Aman Mela police checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan killed 14 people and injured 35 on September 26. An earlier attack in Kohat on September 18 left 23 people dead and around 100 injured; security forces subsequently killed eight militants during a clearance operation in the city.