Seven Militants Neutralized in Pakistan's Counterterrorism Operations
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Synopsis
On February 9, the Pakistani Army reported the elimination of seven militants in two operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations targeted key operatives and followed significant intelligence. Ongoing efforts aim to clear remaining threats as Pakistan contends with increased terrorist activity since the Afghan Taliban's return to power.
Key Takeaways
- Seven militants were killed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Operations were based on credible intelligence.
- Security forces conducted follow-up actions to ensure area safety.
- Increased terrorist activity has been noted since 2021.
- 2024 saw the highest casualties in a decade.
Islamabad, Feb 9 (NationPress) Seven militants were eliminated during two operations carried out by the Pakistani Army in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by the military on Sunday.
The operations commenced late Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning based on intelligence tip-offs, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media branch of the Pakistani Army.
In the first operation in Dera Ismail Khan, three militants, including a significant operative, were neutralized, with two others sustaining injuries, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In a separate engagement in the North Waziristan district, security forces killed four additional militants during a firefight, with three others also injured, the ISPR stated.
The military added that security forces are conducting ongoing search and clearance operations in these regions to eradicate any remaining militant presence.
On February 7, Pakistani security forces had previously killed 12 terrorists in a counter-terrorism operation in the North Waziristan tribal district, as stated by the military on Thursday evening.
The ISPR detailed that the operation took place in the Hassan Khel area based on intelligence regarding the terrorists' location.
This intense exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of the 12 terrorists, who were known to be involved in numerous attacks targeting security personnel and civilians.
During this firefight, one security personnel was also killed, the ISPR noted.
Additionally, security forces recovered a stockpile of weapons and ammunition from the militants' hideout.
A follow-up operation is currently in progress to ensure the area is free of any remaining threats, reaffirming Pakistan's strong commitment to combatting terrorism and upholding national security.
Since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in terrorist attacks targeting security forces and foreign nationals, predominantly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
2024 emerged as one of the most lethal years for Pakistan, with at least 685 security personnel perishing in 444 terror attacks.
According to data compiled by the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies (CRSS), the total casualties of civilians and security personnel reached at least 1,612 in 2024, along with the elimination of 934 outlaws.
The total casualties for 2024 marked the highest in the past decade, averaging seven lives lost daily.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan faced the brunt of these terror attacks last year, with approximately 1,601 casualties in KP and 782 in Balochistan resulting from 1,166 terror incidents and counter-terrorism operations.
The ongoing series of major terrorist attacks in 2025 continues to present severe challenges for Pakistani security forces and their operational efforts.
