Security forces have killed 17 terrorists in North Waziristan, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the military’s media wing reported on Monday.
Just a day earlier, forces had neutralized 54 terrorists attempting to infiltrate from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the same area. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this represents the highest number of terrorists killed in a single engagement during Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against terrorism.
The ISPR statement revealed that a focused operation was carried out in the vicinity of Hassan Khel, in North Waziristan, near the border. “During the operation, seventeen more terrorists, acting under the direction of their Indian handlers, were successfully neutralized,” the statement said.
Additionally, the ISPR reported the recovery of a significant stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the deceased terrorists, who are referred to as “khawarij” by the state.
This brings the total number of terrorists killed in the anti-infiltration operation over three days to 71.
The security forces reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s borders and preventing attempts to disrupt the nation’s peace, stability, and development.
President and Prime Minister Laud Security Forces
In a separate development, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both praised the security forces for their actions in North Waziristan.
The President, in a statement reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), expressed admiration for the courage of the security forces. He emphasized the government’s resolve to continue security operations until terrorism is completely eradicated. “The successful operations by our security forces against terrorists are commendable,” he stated, reaffirming the nation’s steadfast commitment to national defense and the elimination of terrorism.
Prime Minister Sharif also lauded the security forces, highlighting the successful neutralization of 71 terrorists in North Waziristan over the past three days. He remarked, “This demonstrates the determination and vigilance of our law enforcement agencies in their mission to eliminate terrorism.” Sharif vowed to continue countering terrorist activities with equal resolve, emphasizing the commitment to eradicating terrorism entirely.
Rising Terrorism and Security Operations
Pakistan has seen an increase in terrorist activities over the past year, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, following the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s end of its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Militant violence and security operations surged in March, with the number of attacks exceeding 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
Pakistan has been ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with deaths from terrorist attacks rising by 45% in the past year, totaling 1,081 fatalities.
