Pakistani security forces kill 21 militants, military says

Pakistani security forces have killed 21 militants during intelligence-based operations in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 72 hours, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on June 13.

In a statement, the ISPR said multiple militant positions were targeted in the Miranshah area and surrounding regions as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations, Dawn reports. 

“Following fierce fire exchanges, in the last 72 hours, 21 more khwarij… have been sent to hell,” the statement said, using terminology the military applies to members of banned militant groups. It added that the individuals were linked to what it described as “Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khawarij,” a label used by Pakistani authorities for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and associated networks.

According to the ISPR, four of those killed were identified as key militant commanders allegedly involved in coordinating attacks against security forces and civilians. The statement named them as Khalid Raza, Muftoon, Musa, and Imran alias Ayan.

The military said the slain individuals were “highly wanted” for their alleged involvement in multiple terrorist incidents, including attacks on security personnel and civilians.

The latest operation follows earlier phases of the offensive in the same region, during which 27 militants were reportedly killed over the preceding 72 hours. With the latest casualties, the military said a total of 48 militants have been killed since the operations intensified last week.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the raids, according to ISPR, which said the targeted individuals had remained “actively involved” in militant activities.

The military added that sanitisation operations are ongoing to clear remaining militant presence in the area.

By Sabina Mammadli