Security forces kill 22 terrorists in North Waziristan operation: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Pakistani security forces killed 22 militants linked to “Fitna-al-Khwarij” during an ongoing clearance and sanitization operation in the Shewa area of North Waziristan district, the military said Tuesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the operation has been underway since May 17 after intelligence reports regarding the presence of militants in the region.

The military said troops effectively targeted militant hideouts during the operation, leading to intense exchanges of fire over the past 24 hours.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist attacks in the area, the statement added.

ISPR said evidence gathered during the operation indicated that militants had intimidated local residents and used civilians as human shields to ensure safe movement.

The military condemned such actions, saying innocent civilian lives could not be put at risk under any circumstances.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and the clearance operation remains underway to eliminate any remaining militants, according to the statement.