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Pakistan security forces killed more than 60 militants in intelligence-based operations across North Waziristan and Bannu. The strikes underline an intensified counterterror push using surveillance and drones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Peshawar,UPDATED: Aug 12, 2026 18:44 IST
More than 60 militants were killed in a series of intelligence-based operations carried out over 36 hours in two districts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, security officials said on Wednesday. The operations were conducted in North Waziristan and Bannu districts in the country's northwest.
Officials said 52 militants, including four key commanders, were killed in operations launched since Tuesday morning in North Waziristan, while 10 militants were killed and 16 injured in multiple operations in Bannu on Wednesday. The actions were part of an intensified security push in the region.
In North Waziristan, security forces kept suspected locations under continuous surveillance before carrying out targeted strikes against operatives of Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Officials said quadcopters were used to identify militants hiding beneath trees, allowing forces to target them precisely. Several wounded militants trying to flee were also targeted, and four key commanders were among those killed.
Security forces said several militant hideouts were destroyed in the operations and a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment was recovered. In Bannu, drones were used to target militants hiding at different locations. The operations followed heightened security activity in the district, where two militants were killed on Tuesday in an intelligence-based operation near Adnan Cricket Stadium in the Jani Khel area.
According to police, the militants had allegedly been using an Islamic seminary as a hideout. The premises were evacuated to ensure civilian safety before security forces targeted the militants after coming under fire, police said. In Bannu as well, several hideouts were destroyed, large quantities of weapons and ammunition were recovered, and search and clearance operations were later carried out. Security officials said operations against militants would continue without interruption until terrorism is eliminated from the area.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 12, 2026 18:44 IST
