Pakistan Says 13 Militants Killed in Counterterror Operations in Northwest

Pakistan Says 13 Militants Killed in Counterterror Operations in Northwest
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Pakistan’s security forces have killed 13 militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan during two counterterrorism operations in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province this week, Arab News reported.

According to a statement issued Sunday by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the first operation was conducted between Dec. 12 and 13 in Mohmand district, where seven militants were killed. A second operation in Bannu district resulted in the deaths of six additional fighters. The military said follow-up clearance operations were ongoing to prevent further militant activity in the area.

The Pakistani military reiterated its commitment to eliminating what it described as foreign-backed militancy from the country. Islamabad has repeatedly accused neighboring India of supporting armed groups operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, allegations New Delhi has denied.

Pakistan also maintains that TTP fighters use bases in Afghanistan to plan attacks inside the country, a claim rejected by Kabul, which says Pakistan’s security challenges are an internal issue. These disputes have contributed to heightened tensions between the two neighbors, including deadly clashes along the border in recent months.