Pakistan’s security forces kill 11 militants in North Waziristan operations

Pakistan's security forces killed 11 militants during intelligence-based operations conducted over 48 hours in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Sunday. The military said the militants belonged to the Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, the term Pakistani authorities use for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists.

What happened in the North Waziristan intelligence-based operations?

Security forces engaged multiple militant locations in Datta Khel over a 48-hour period. After intense exchanges of fire, 11 militants were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain fighters, who the ISPR said had been actively involved in terrorist activities across the region.

What did the ISPR say about the Datta Khel operation?

The ISPR stated in a Sunday release that the militants neutralised had been directly linked to ongoing terrorist activities in the area. Sanitisation operations were continuing after the engagements to eliminate any remaining militants in hiding. The military said recovered weapons confirmed the operational threat posed by the group.

How does this operation fit into Pakistan's counterterrorism campaign?

The Datta Khel operation was conducted under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework, Pakistan's nationwide counterterrorism campaign approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. The ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to this campaign across the country. The military reiterated its resolve to eradicate what it described as foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistani soil.