Security Operations Continue in Dhatta Khel to Eliminate Remaining Threats, Says ISPR
At least 14 militants linked to the group Fitna al-Khawarij, identified as an Indian-backed proxy, were killed in intelligence-led operations in North Waziristan between June 2 and 3, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday.
According to the ISPR, security forces carried out operations in the Dhatta Khel area of North Waziristan. “Following intense firefights, 14 militants affiliated with the Indian-sponsored group were neutralized,” the statement said.
Sanitization efforts are ongoing in the region to ensure that any remaining threats are completely eradicated, added the military’s media wing.
“Pakistan’s armed forces remain steadfast in their commitment to eliminating Indian-sponsored terrorism and restoring lasting peace throughout the country,” the statement emphasized.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their “professional excellence” in the North Waziristan operation. He stressed the importance of such efforts in removing the menace posed by what he described as enemies of humanity.
“We will crush the nefarious plans of these terrorists,” Shehbaz stated in a press release. “With the professionalism of our security forces, we will eradicate terrorism once and for all.”
Earlier this week, a similar operation resulted in the killing of seven militants linked to the India-backed group Fitna al-Hindustan in two separate actions in Balochistan on June 2, 2025.
Previously, the federal government officially designated all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as ‘Fitna al-Hindustan,’ accusing India of waging a proxy war through these organizations.
A notification from the Ministry of Interior explained that this move was prompted by “the involvement of certain groups in terrorist activities in Balochistan that threaten the Islamic faith, Pakistan’s sovereignty, and its traditions.”
The notification also stated that this new designation aims to “reflect the true nature and ideology” of these groups and their “malicious designs” backed by India.
“All government departments have been instructed to adopt this terminology immediately,” the notification declared, signaling a unified approach to reframing the narrative surrounding insurgent violence in the province.
This announcement came after Islamabad accused India of escalating indirect aggression following what it described as India’s defeat in the recent security operation named “Marka-e-Haq.”
