Security forces kill 13 terrorists in North Waziristan IBO: state media

On Wednesday, security forces eliminated thirteen terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, according to state media. The forces targeted Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, a group the state labels as belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. This latest operation comes amid ongoing efforts to combat militant groups in the region, as per the "Azm-e-Istehkam" vision.

The day prior to the latest operation, security forces killed an additional five terrorists in another North Waziristan intelligence-based operation, according to state media reports. North Waziristan has long been plagued by terrorist attacks and security challenges. In August alone, the province reported 54 such attacks, compared to 36 in July, marking a 50% increase in incidents, as per data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

Earlier this month, security forces carried out several operations in North Waziristan, resulting in the deaths of numerous terrorists. On October 2, seven terrorists were killed during an IBO in North Waziristan. On September 30, three terrorists were eliminated in an operation in Mir Ali district. Prior to that, on September 29, five terrorists were killed in an IBO in Bara area.

In the preceding days, security forces also targeted terrorists in other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On September 28, four terrorists were killed during an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan. On September 26, a suicide blast at a police checkpost in Darazinda tehsil of DI Khan claimed the lives of twelve people and injured thirty-five others.

On September 18, a major attack in the old Police Lines of Kohat resulted in 23 deaths and about 100 injuries. In total, eight terrorists were killed during an overnight clearance operation at Kohat.