Pakistan's security forces have killed 21 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations across the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past three days, according to the military's media wing.
Operations in North Waziristan
The operations were carried out in the troubled North Waziristan district, a region that has witnessed a renewed surge in militant activity in recent months. Among those killed were four senior ring leaders linked to Fitna-al-Khwarij, a term used by the Pakistani state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The military said the four men were wanted for their involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the killing of security personnel and civilians.
Military Statement
“A total of 48 khwarij have been killed since last week in the highly skilful and precise operations,” the military's media wing said in a statement on Saturday.
Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants killed during the operations.
Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The military said clearance and sanitisation operations would continue in the area to eliminate any remaining militants and prevent them from regrouping. It added that the campaign formed part of an ongoing counter-terrorism effort involving both security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Recent Security Concerns
The latest operations come amid growing concerns over Pakistan's security situation. In late May, security forces killed 11 terrorists in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan. Earlier this month, authorities imposed Section 144 in Miranshah after security forces foiled a suicide attack in the town.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), Pakistan's security environment deteriorated sharply in May 2026 after showing signs of improvement over the previous two months. The think tank attributed the worsening situation largely to escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
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