Rawalpindi (The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s security forces have killed 74 militants during intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operations targeted militant hideouts in several areas, resulting in the recovery of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials, the ISPR said in a statement issued on November 13.
According to the military, security operations against militants have been underway in Kurram district since November 3. During multiple encounters in the area, security forces killed 31 militants described by the ISPR as Indian-sponsored Khwarij.
The military said weapons, ammunition and explosive materials were recovered from the militants’ hideouts following the engagements.
The ISPR said intelligence-based operations had also been expanded to other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Mir Ali and Orakzai.
During the preceding 48 hours, security forces killed 35 militants in Mir Ali and another eight in Orakzai, according to the statement.
The military said these operations were conducted on the basis of intelligence information and were aimed at targeting militant positions and preventing planned attacks.
Security personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive materials.
The ISPR said the recovered equipment indicated preparations for militant activities, adding that security forces had disrupted the groups’ alleged plans.
The military’s media wing said clearance operations were continuing in the affected areas to locate and eliminate any remaining militants.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counterterrorism operations under the national security strategy known as Azm-e-Istehkam.
The strategy was approved by the federal Apex Committee as part of the National Action Plan and aims to strengthen coordinated efforts against terrorism and threats to national security.
According to the ISPR, operations would continue at full pace to counter what it described as terrorism backed by external elements.
The military also reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and preventing militant groups from using different parts of the country as operational bases.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with other political leaders, praised the security forces following the reported operations.
They paid tribute to personnel involved in counterterrorism efforts and acknowledged their role in maintaining national security.
The latest operations come amid continuing security challenges in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant activity has remained a major concern for authorities.
The ISPR said the ongoing clearance efforts were intended to ensure that remaining militant elements could not regroup or carry out further attacks.
The military’s statement attributed the militants’ activities to Indian sponsorship. These allegations were presented by the ISPR and were not independently verified in the supplied report.
Security operations are expected to continue in the affected areas as authorities pursue their stated objective of eliminating militant threats and restoring lasting stability.
