Pakistani forces kill eight militants in intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces killed eight militants in the northwestern part of the country during an intelligence-based operation (IBO), the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Thursday.
The operation took place in Razmak, a settlement in North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, an area that has seen a surge in militant activity in recent years.
Pakistan has increasingly blamed the growing militant presence in Afghanistan for the spike in attacks in its western provinces.
Islamabad has urged the Kabul administration not to allow Afghan soil to be used by armed factions against other countries, accusing the Taliban regime of “facilitating” these attacks. However, Kabul denies the allegations, asserting Pakistan’s security deficit is its internal matter.
“On the night 25/26 Sep 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Razmak, North Waziristan District, on the reported presence of Khwarij [militants],” the ISPR said.
“During conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and khwarij, as a result of which, eight Khwarij were sent to hell,” it added.
The ISPR informed weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were actively involved in violent activities against security forces along with target killings of innocent civilians.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces for carrying out the successful operation, saying the country would soon witness the end of militancy.
“It is our top priority to protect the life and property of all citizens from terrorists,” he was quoted as saying in a statement circulated by his office in Islamabad.
“We will continue to fight terrorists until it is completely eradicated from the country,” he added.