Security forces have successfully eliminated nine terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during an intelligence based operation in North Waziristan. The action took place in the tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, according to security sources.
The operations were carried out in three specific locations: Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri. During the raids, forces destroyed several militant hideouts. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the killed militants.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their efforts in neutralising the nine terrorists in North Waziristan. The latest success comes just a day after forces eliminated 18 India backed terrorists in multiple operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In those earlier actions, security personnel targeted militant hideouts in North Waziristan and adjoining areas, resulting in the death of 13 militants. Separately, an operation against Fitna al-Hindustan in Mastung led to the elimination of five more militants.
Pakistan has faced a sharp rise in cross border terrorist incidents, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years during September 2026.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies shows 225 militant attacks occurred across the country in September. This marked a 13 percent increase from the 199 attacks reported in August. Attacks have now risen for the third consecutive month.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to stop its territory from being used by militant groups launching attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities maintain that the Afghan Taliban have not taken effective steps against organisations responsible for striking security forces and civilians.
Despite several rounds of talks, differences between Islamabad and Kabul remain unresolved. The presence of militant groups operating from Afghan soil continues to be a major point of disagreement between the two sides. The recent North Waziristan operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Pakistani forces to counter these threats.
