Security Forces Kill Twenty-Two Militants In North Waziristan

RAWALPINDI: (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s security forces have killed 22 militants during an ongoing area sanitisation operation in the Shewa region of North Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations on Tuesday.

The operation began on May 17, 2026, after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the area. Security forces launched the mission to clear and secure the region as part of Pakistan’s continuing counterterrorism campaign.

According to ISPR, troops engaged militant positions during the operation, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which 22 militants linked to the group referred to as Fitna-al-Khwarij were killed within the last 24 hours.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in several terrorist activities in the region.

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The military stated that the operation remains ongoing and that the area has been effectively cordoned off to eliminate any remaining threats.

ISPR further claimed that militants had used local civilians as human shields and pressured residents to assist them in securing safe passage. The military described such actions as unacceptable and condemned the endangerment of civilian lives.

The operation is being carried out under Pakistan’s broader counterterrorism strategy “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan framework. Authorities said the campaign against militancy and foreign-sponsored terrorism would continue across the country.

North Waziristan has remained a key focus of security operations over the years due to militant activity and cross-border security concerns.