Daijiworld Media Network - Islamabad

Islamabad, Aug 7: Pakistan's security forces killed 10 militants in two separate operations in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military's media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were carried out on Thursday in South Waziristan and Upper Dir districts against militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the government as Fitna al Khawarij.

In South Waziristan's Azam Warsak area, a group of militants allegedly attempted to attack security force checkposts. Troops responded to the assault, killing eight militants during the operation, the ISPR said.

In a separate operation in Upper Dir district, security personnel killed two more militants. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the site.

The military said the slain militants were involved in several terrorist activities in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for the successful operations and reiterated the government's commitment to continue counter-terrorism efforts until militancy is completely eliminated.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed recurring militant violence in recent years, fuelled by cross-border infiltration, insurgent activities and repeated security operations.

Pakistan has accused the banned TTP of intensifying attacks in the province since the collapse of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the militant group in November 2022.