Pakistan: 30 militants killed in North Waziristan after failed border infiltration

On the nights of July 2 and 3, Pakistani security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt by 30 militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by authorities as Fitna al Khawarij. The group, allegedly sponsored by India, was intercepted near Hassan Khel in North Waziristan while crossing from Afghanistan, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
All 30 militants were killed during what the ISPR described as a “precise and skillful” military operation. Large quantities of weapons, explosives, and ammunition were recovered. The ISPR praised the vigilance and professionalism of the forces and urged the Afghan government to prevent the use of its territory by foreign proxies targeting Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the armed forces, reaffirming the country’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s military stands firm against all threats.
The operation comes amid a spike in terror activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the TTP ended its ceasefire in 2022. In May alone, Pakistan recorded 85 militant attacks resulting in 113 deaths, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the nation.