Pakistani security forces have killed 11 terrorists in a series of operations conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a region often affected by militant activity. The operations, which took place between December 17 and 18, targeted suspected terrorists in several districts, including Tank, North Waziristan, and Mohmand.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan's military media wing, the first operation occurred in the Tank district, where security forces acted on intelligence reports about the presence of militants.Â
The second operation took place in Datta Khel, located in North Waziristan, where two militants were killed following a gun battle. The third operation was conducted in the Mamad Gat area of Mohmand district, where two more terrorists were neutralized after an intense exchange of fire.
In addition to the casualties, security forces seized weapons and ammunition from the slain militants. These individuals were reportedly involved in various acts of terrorism against both security forces and innocent civilians.
The actions are part of Pakistan's broader counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding regions, which have seen an alarming rise in violence. A total of 722 people lost their lives, including civilians, military personnel, and militants, while over 600 others were injured in more than 300 incidents.
As part of these ongoing efforts, the ISPR emphasized that security forces are conducting sanitization operations to ensure any remaining militants are eliminated. These operations reflect Pakistan's commitment to tackling the persistent issue of terrorism.
Tensions with Afghanistan have further complicated the situation. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of offering sanctuary to militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegations that Kabul has denied. In response, Pakistan has reappointed Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq as Special Envoy to Afghanistan to address security concerns, including the use of Afghan soil for cross-border terrorism.
Nearly 97% of the fatalities and incidents have occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, marking a troubling trend in Pakistan's fight against terrorism.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement confirming that sanitization operations are actively underway in the region to eliminate any remaining elements of terrorism. The security forces of Pakistan are steadfast in their commitment to eradicating the threat posed by terrorists and ensuring the safety and stability of the country. These operations aim to target and dismantle any hideouts or cells harboring militants, with the primary goal of neutralizing terrorism in the area. The ISPR further emphasized that the security forces are determined to continue their efforts until this menace is completely wiped out, reinforcing Pakistan's resolve to restore peace and security throughout the nation.