Pakistani security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan on February 5-6, eliminating 12 militants.

The operation targeted a group of militants, described by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as “Khwarij,” who were reportedly involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces and the targeted killing of civilians.

During the operation, intense firefights resulted in the martyrdom of Lance Naik Muhammad Ibrahim, a 34-year-old soldier from Hangu District, who was killed while bravely fighting the militants. The ISPR lauded his ‘ultimate’ sacrifice.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. A sanitization operation is underway to ensure no remaining militants are present in the area. The ISPR statement emphasized the Pakistani security forces’ determination to eradicate terrorism.

Last August, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry officially designated the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a significant step in the government’s counterterrorism efforts.