Security forces have killed nine terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij in an intelligence-based operation (North Waziristan IBO), security sources confirm. The operation, which concluded on Thursday, targeted militant hideouts in the Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri areas, destroying several hideouts and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition.
The strike caps a deadly week of counter-terrorism operations that saw 18 militants killed across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan just a day earlier.
FAKTA
Killed: Nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists.
Area: Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri, North Waziristan.
Seized: Weapons and ammunition; militant hideouts destroyed.
Previous day: 18 militants killed in KP and Balochistan operations.
September 2026: 225 militant attacks nationwide – a 12-year high.
North Waziristan IBO targets militant hideouts
The North Waziristan IBO was planned on the basis of intelligence about the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij militants in the Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri areas, according to security sources. Troops engaged the identified militant positions, killing nine terrorists and destroying their hideouts.
A substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition, believed to be intended for further attacks, was recovered from the dead militants and their bases. Security forces have launched sanitization operations in the area to eliminate any remaining militant presence.
A deadly week: 18 killed a day earlier
The operation follows a series of major strikes a day earlier. On Wednesday, security forces killed 18 India-backed terrorists in multiple operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, security sources said.
Thirteen militants were killed in North Waziristan and adjoining areas in operations against Fitna al-Khawarij under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework, while five militants of Fitna al-Hindustan were killed in Mastung, Balochistan. Weapons and ammunition were recovered, and clearance operations were launched in the affected areas.
Mastung strike against Fitna al-Hindustan
The Mastung operation, dubbed Operation Rad-ul-Fitna 3, was an intelligence-based sanitization operation in the Dasht area targeting suspected Fitna al-Hindustan elements at Killi Siah Pusht and Killi Gishtri, according to security officials. Troops came under fire during the operation, and five militants were eliminated in the ensuing exchange of fire.
A substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during the post-operation search of the locations used by the militants.
Prime Minister commends the forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful North Waziristan operation, security sources said. The commendation underlines the state’s resolve to continue counter-terrorism operations until militancy is eliminated from the country.
Rising militant violence: September’s 12-year high
Pakistan has recorded a sharp rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in August 2021. According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 225 militant attacks were recorded across the country in September 2026, compared with 199 in August – a 13 percent increase and the third consecutive monthly rise, marking the highest monthly tally in 12 years.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by militant groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan, a position Kabul disputes. Follow Watan News’ world coverage for more on the region.
The week in numbers
| Operation / period | Area | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 8 October IBO | North Waziristan | 9 militants killed |
| 7 October operations | North Waziristan & adjoining areas | 13 militants killed |
| 7 October operation | Mastung, Balochistan | 5 militants killed |
| September 2026 | Nationwide | 225 attacks (+13% vs 199 in August) |
Conclusion
The killing of nine Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in North Waziristan is the latest in an intensifying counter-terrorism campaign that has eliminated dozens of militants in recent days. While the operations have dealt significant blows to militant networks, the record 225 attacks in September underline the scale of the threat facing Pakistan’s border provinces.
