An army major was killed while leading an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, as Pakistan’s security forces carried out twin counterterrorism operations that left 12 militants dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.
According to the military’s media wing, the first operation was conducted in the Razmak area of North Waziristan after security forces received intelligence about the presence of militants. During the operation, troops engaged suspected TTP terrorists in a fierce exchange of fire, killing five militants, according to Dawn News.
The ISPR said Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, was killed while leading his troops from the front. The military described him as a courageous officer who fought bravely during the operation. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the dead militants, who, according to the ISPR, had been involved in several attacks on security forces, law enforcement personnel, and civilians.
Security forces have launched follow-up clearance operations in the area to search for any remaining militants. The military said the nationwide counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam strategy would continue until the threat of terrorism is eliminated.
In a separate intelligence-based operation conducted on the night of July 30 and 31 in Balochistan’s Nushki district, security forces killed seven suspected Baloch insurgents. The ISPR said the operation was launched after intelligence reports identified the presence of militants at a hideout in the area.
According to the statement, security forces closely monitored the location before carrying out a targeted operation that destroyed the hideout and killed all seven militants, including a suspected suicide bomber. Ammunition and improvised explosive devices found at the site were also destroyed. Clearance operations are continuing to ensure no other militants remain in the area.
The latest operations come as Pakistan faces a renewed wave of militant violence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to implement a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism, while Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has vowed that threats originating from across the country’s borders will be met with the full strength of the state.
In recent weeks, security forces have intensified operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan following a series of deadly attacks, reaffirming the pakistan government’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening national security.
