Security Forces Neutralize 14 Terrorists in North Waziristan IBO

RAWALPINDI: In a recent counter-terrorism operation, security forces successfully eliminated 14 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as stated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

According to the military’s media wing, the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of militants affiliated with the Indian proxy group “Fitna al Khwarij.” The security personnel engaged the terrorists, resulting in 14 fatalities following a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“Ongoing sanitisation operations are in progress to eliminate any remaining terrorists with links to India within the region,” the statement further mentioned.

This operation follows a similar incident just a day prior, where five Indian-backed terrorists were killed during an IBO in the Mach area of Balochistan’s Kachhi district.

These IBOs form a component of the national initiative aimed at diminishing terrorism, which has seen a modest escalation in militant activities in May 2025.

Statistics from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), based in Islamabad, indicate a 5% surge in attacks compared to April. However, the broader analysis suggests that militant groups have largely remained contained, despite the prevailing regional geopolitical situation.

The PICSS monthly security assessment reported 85 militant attacks in May, slightly up from 81 in April.

These attacks led to 113 deaths, encompassing 52 security forces members, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four peace committee representatives. Additionally, 182 individuals sustained injuries, including 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.

While the total count of attacks experienced a marginal increase, a more detailed examination of the data reveals worrying trends.

Fatalities among security personnel increased by 73%, highlighting the continuous dangers faced by Pakistan’s armed forces.

Civilian injuries also rose significantly by 145%, from 53 in April to 130 in May, demonstrating the growing repercussions of militant actions on the civilian population. Conversely, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20%, from 59 to 47.

During the month, security forces operations resulted in the elimination of at least 59 militants, with five security personnel losing their lives.

Furthermore, seven security personnel and five militants were wounded. Authorities also apprehended 52 suspected militants during various intelligence-led operations.

Combining militant attacks and security operations, the overall casualty count for May reached 172, including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members.

A total of 194 individuals were injured, comprising 130 civilians, 54 security personnel, nine militants, and one peace committee member. Militants also abducted at least 19 individuals during the month.

A significant aspect of May’s security situation was a 78% increase in the deaths of security personnel, compared to a 68% decrease in militant deaths relative to April. Notably, May marked the first month since October 2024 in which militant deaths were reported in double figures (65), a considerable decrease from 203 in April.

Balochistan and KP remained the most affected provinces, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide. Balochistan experienced the highest degree of violence, with 35 militant attacks leading to 51 deaths, including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three militants, along with 100 injuries (94 civilians, five security personnel, one militant).