8 terrorists killed in North Waziristan: ISPR
Security forces eliminated eight militants in North Waziristan along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border on Wednesday, according to a statement released Thursday by Inter-Services Public Relations.
The military said the operation targeted militants described as “khawarij,” allegedly linked to the Indian-backed Fitna al Khawarij network—an official term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Security personnel reportedly detected the group’s movement near the border and engaged them with precision. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
The statement criticized the Afghan Taliban government, saying the incident reflects its failure to ensure effective border control. It urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used by militants against Pakistan.
Follow-up clearance operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats in the area. The military reaffirmed that its broader counterterrorism campaign, “Azm-e-Istehkam,” will continue with full force. This initiative, approved in June 2024 by the Apex Committee of the National Action Plan under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to comprehensively eliminate extremism and terrorism through coordinated efforts, including political and diplomatic measures.
The statement concluded by reiterating the armed forces’ commitment to defending the country’s borders and countering foreign-backed terrorism.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful operation. The president commended their role in safeguarding the nation and called on the Afghan interim government to ensure its soil is not used against Pakistan. The prime minister emphasized that the fight against terrorism will continue until it is fully eradicated, adding that the nation stands united with its armed forces.