Seven militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, security sources said on Friday.
The operation was carried out by Pakistani security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district. Officials said the action targeted members of Fitna al-Khwarij.
According to security sources, the militants were allegedly backed by India. Pakistan has repeatedly used this description for groups it says receive external support. The claim was reported by security sources and was not independently verified in the report.
Security personnel tracked the militants before launching the operation under the Azm-i-Istehkam initiative. Forces reportedly engaged the group and destroyed their hideouts during the action.
A large quantity of weapons and explosives was also recovered from the militant hideout.
Officials said the operation demonstrated continued efforts to eliminate militant networks operating in the region.
North Waziristan has faced persistent security challenges for years. The district has remained a focus of counterterrorism operations because of militant activity and attacks targeting security personnel and civilians.
Security forces have continued intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as authorities attempt to prevent militant groups from rebuilding their networks.
The latest operation comes amid continuing concerns over terrorism and cross-border security threats in the province.
Officials have stressed that counterterrorism operations will continue against armed groups and their facilitators.
Pakistan’s security agencies have also said intelligence-led actions remain an important part of the country’s broader strategy against militancy.
The recovery of weapons and explosives from the site could help investigators assess the group’s capabilities and possible future plans.
Further details about the identities of those killed or the exact location of the hideout were not immediately released.
