14 militants killed in North Waziristan operation: ISPR

NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Pakistani security personnel killed 14 militants on charges of being part of an “Indian-sponsored agenda“ in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan‘s Datta Khel area on June 2-3, the military‘s media arm announced on Wednesday.

The operation was initiated after reliable intelligence regarding the presence of Khawarij militants in the region, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated. There was an intense exchange of fire that led to the neutralization of all 14 militants who were said to be involved in terrorist activities.

The ISPR reported that clearance operations in the area were continuing to cleanse it of any lingering terrorist activity. The military‘s statement reinforced Pakistan‘s commitment to eradicating terrorism, citing the militants‘ suspected connection to Indian patronage.

“Pakistan‘s security forces are completely committed to securing the motherland from the menace of terrorism,” the ISPR release read, observing that operations would be carried out until all terror threats were eliminated.

Security forces have accelerated operations in the tribal belt over the past few months as part of the campaign against militancy. Surveillance has also been heightened to thwart possible retaliatory attacks after such operations.

This report comes amid a string of similar counter-terrorism operations in the region, which highlight the military‘s continued emphasis on dismantling militant networks, and especially those with purported foreign sponsorship.