ISLAMABAD – Security forces have eliminated 18 terrorists during separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In North Waziristan, an intelligence-led operation was carried out against terrorist elements under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative. As many as 13 terrorists were killed during the operation, while security personnel also targeted suspected hideouts in the area and its surrounding regions.
Security sources said the operation was launched after authorities tracked the movements and activities of the targeted terrorists.
In another operation in Mastung, Balochistan, security forces engaged terrorist elements in the Siyapast and Killi Gashtari areas as part of Operation Raddul Fitna 3. Five terrorists were killed during the action, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from their possession, according to the sources.
Search and clearance operations are continuing in the affected areas as security personnel work to locate any remaining terrorist elements.
The latest operations come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger efforts to address the growing threat of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam, where matters concerning KP, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan were discussed.
Shehbaz Sharif said curbing terrorism was essential for ensuring that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could continue its development alongside other regions of the country. He also recognised the sacrifices made by the people of the province in confronting terrorism.
