ISTANBUL
Pakistan’s security forces killed 24 suspected militants during separate intelligence-led operations in North Waziristan and Balochistan, while several military personnel also lost their lives in separate encounters, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Saturday.
In North Waziristan, security personnel conducted operations in Mir Ali, Datta Khel and nearby areas, targeting suspected militant hideouts in Ali Khel, Mir Ali and Datta Khel.
The military reported that 16 militants, including two Afghan nationals, were killed during the engagements. The individuals were identified by the ISPR as members of the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij. Security personnel also recovered weapons and ammunition from the operation sites.
Two soldiers were killed during the clashes. They were identified as Havildar Asmat Ali, 43, from Swabi district, and Naik Aftab Ali, 32, from Mardan district.
In a separate operation in Balochistan’s Kolpur area, security forces eliminated eight suspected militants, including a suicide bomber, during an overnight operation conducted between Friday and Saturday. A substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition was also seized.
Meanwhile, the military reported another attack on Saturday when armed quadcopters were used by members of Fitna al-Hindustan (FAH) to target military patrol vehicles in Balochistan.
The attack resulted in the deaths of Major Omer Minhas Nasir, who belonged to Chakwal district, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan, from Kotli Sattian.
The ISPR alleged that India, alongside other hostile intelligence agencies, was providing financial assistance and advanced technological equipment, including drones, to FAH for attacks against civilians and Pakistani security personnel.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, which was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
According to the ISPR, clearance and security operations will continue until all militant threats across the country have been eliminated.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE