Pakistan’s security forces have killed 22 members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during a large counterterrorism operation in the country’s northwestern tribal region, according to a statement released Tuesday by the military’s media wing.
The operation, launched in the mountainous border district of North Waziristan, began after intelligence reports indicated the presence of armed TTP fighters in the area, according to Dawn News. Military officials said troops carried out an intense search-and-clear mission over several days, leading to heavy exchanges of fire.
According to the statement, the 22 TTP members were killed during the latest phase of the operation. Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition allegedly used in past attacks. The military claimed the group had been involved in militant activities targeting both civilians and security personnel.
Officials further accused the fighters of forcing local residents to assist them and using civilians as human shields while moving through remote villages. The military described such actions as “deplorable” and said operations would continue until the area was fully cleared.
The development comes as Pakistan faces a renewed wave of militancy, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan. Since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, attacks linked to the TTP have increased, raising concerns about regional stability and cross-border security.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration to take action against armed groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Pakistani authorities argue that safe havens across the border have allowed militant networks to regroup and intensify attacks inside Pakistan.
The latest operation reflects Pakistan’s broader effort to contain rising violence through an ongoing national counterterrorism campaign. Analysts warn that continued instability in the region could further complicate security across South Asia and deepen tensions between neighboring states.
