Security forces continued their intensified mission to eliminate terrorists infiltrating from Afghanistan, killing 18 more terrorists in three separate operations conducted in North Waziristan and Lakki Marwat, security sources confirmed on Friday.
The latest operations bring the total number of Afghan-backed militants killed to 108 in the last four days, marking a significant escalation in Pakistan’s counterterror efforts under the National Action Plan.
Failed suicide attack in Mir Ali kills 6 terrorists
In the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, security forces foiled a suicide attack when a terrorist rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a military camp wall. The vehicle exploded upon impact, killing the attacker instantly.
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Following the explosion, five more foreign terrorists tried to storm the camp but were eliminated outside the perimeter by the forces’ swift and coordinated response.
No casualties were reported among the security personnel. However, one soldier was martyred and six others injured when the roof of a post collapsed during the exchange. Security officials said the attack was part of a larger infiltration attempt orchestrated by terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.
Dattakhel: Six terrorists killed
In a separate intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Dattakhel area of North Waziristan, security forces killed six terrorists and injured three others after a fierce firefight.
Among the dead was Mehboob alias Muhammad, a key commander of the Fitna al-Khawarij network, who had been coordinating cross-border attacks.
According to sources, security forces had conducted continuous aerial and ground surveillance for 8–10 days based on intelligence reports about terrorist movement. The operation culminated on October 16, when the militants were surrounded and neutralized.
Eight most wanted terrorists eliminated in Lakki Marwat
Another major operation took place in the Sultankhel area of Lakki Marwat, where eight most wanted terrorists linked to the Afghan Taliban were killed.
The operation was carried out after intelligence indicated the presence of Taliban proxies in the area. Air and ground units were deployed to track and target the militants.
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Security sources said that these individuals were involved in multiple attacks against law enforcement personnel and civilians across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Explosives seized, civilian attack prevented
In a separate success, security forces seized and destroyed a vehicle carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to intelligence reports, the explosives had been smuggled from Afghanistan to Pakistan, hidden among commercial goods, and were intended for a suicide attack in a civilian area of Bajaur. The discovery prevented what officials described as a “catastrophic act of terrorism.”
108 militants killed in 4 days
Security forces have now eliminated 108 Khawarij terrorists in four days of intensified operations across North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, and Bajaur.
The actions are part of Pakistan’s ongoing mission to root out foreign-backed militants, particularly those infiltrating through ungoverned regions along the Afghan border.
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Officials reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies will continue operations until the last Khawarij terrorist is eliminated.
“Under the National Action Plan, our forces remain steadfast in defending the nation and preserving peace,” security sources said.
Naqvi commends forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised the professionalism and courage of Pakistan’s security forces for successfully foiling the terrorist attack in Mir Ali and killing four militants. He saluted the brave soldiers who thwarted what he described as the evil intentions of the terrorists, saying their swift and decisive action prevented a major tragedy.
