Security forces eliminate 14 militants in North Waziristan operation: ISPR

Express Tribune

2 days ago

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At least 14 militants allegedly affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij, a group identified as an Indian proxy, were killed in intellegence-based operations in North Waziristan between June 2 and 3, it emerged on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted operations in Dhatta Khel area of North Waziristan. "After a fierce exchange of fire, 14 militants affiliated with the Indian-sponsored group were neutralized."
Sanitization operations are ongoing in the area to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining threats, said the military's media wing.
"Pakistan's armed forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country," the statement added.
Read: Seven 'India-backed terrorists' killed in Balochistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their 'professional excellence' in the North Waziristan operation, saying such efforts were critical to eliminating the threat posed by what he called enemies of humanity.
'We will crush the nefarious designs of these terrorists,' Shehbaz said in a statement issued by his office. 'With the professional capability of our security forces, we will uproot the monster of terrorism once and for all.'
A similar operation was conducted earlier this week whereby seven terrorists allegedly affiliated with the India-backed group Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan on June 2, 2025.
Read More: Bilawal rejects India's false accusations, reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to peace
Earlier, the federal government had officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as 'Fitna al Hindustan', accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through these outfits.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the move stems from 'the involvement of some organizations and groups in terrorist activities in Balochistan, which are detrimental to Islamic faith, the sovereignty of Pakistan, and its customary traditions'.
The notification further stated that the new designation is intended to reflect 'the true nature and ideology' of these groups and their 'nefarious designs' sponsored by India.
'All government entities are directed to start the above practice immediately,' the notification said, underscoring a concerted effort to reframe the narrative around insurgent violence in the province.
The announcement came after Islamabad accused India of escalating indirect aggression after what he described as its defeat in a recent security operation dubbed "Marka-e-Haq'.