(Security Forces Kill 30 Terrorists Including Top Commander in Major Operation)
ISLAMABAD: Security forces conducted successful intelligence-based operations in Speen Wam and Shewa areas of North Waziristan, eliminating 30 terrorists including a high-value commander.
The operations, launched on the night of May 17 based on credible intelligence, targeted terrorist hideouts in the region.
Among those killed was Hazrat Umar alias Jan Mir alias Toor Saqib, a key terrorist commander with a head money of 30 lakh rupees.
Special forces, heli troops, snipers, UAVs, and mechanised units participated in the coordinated actions that destroyed multiple hideouts and underground bunkers.
**Operational Details** Security forces recovered bodies of 13 terrorists while surveillance confirmed additional casualties. Some terrorists were reportedly swept away in floodwaters during the clashes.
Troops neutralised 11 IEDs and recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, Afghan SIMs, communication sets, and other equipment.
Clearance and search operations remain underway in the area to ensure complete elimination of terrorist presence.
ISPR and security sources described the terrorists as actively involved in attacks against security forces and civilians.
**Key Achievements** The elimination of Toor Saqib marks a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the district. He was wanted for his role in planning and executing multiple attacks.
The joint use of ground troops, aerial assets, and precision targeting allowed forces to engage fortified positions effectively.
Weapons and ammunition recovered from the site will be subjected to forensic analysis to trace supply chains.
No casualties were reported among security personnel in the primary engagements.
**Background Context** North Waziristan has seen intensified counter-terrorism operations in recent months amid efforts to stabilise the region following the resurgence of militant activity after 2021.
The district, once a hub for various groups, has been a focus of intelligence-based operations under the broader counter-terrorism campaign.
Previous similar actions in the area have resulted in the dismantling of several networks involved in cross-border facilitation and local attacks.
The latest operation aligns with ongoing sanitisation drives across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to deny space to terrorists.
**Reactions and Impact** Local residents in affected areas expressed relief at the successful action, though some expressed concern over temporary disruptions.
Provincial and federal authorities have praised the security forces for their professionalism and effectiveness.
The operation is expected to improve security conditions for development work and normalcy in the region.
Analysts note that such actions disrupt command structures and logistics of remaining militant elements.
**Strategic Implications** The dual-area operation demonstrates improved intelligence coordination and rapid response capabilities of Pakistani security forces.
Continued focus on high-value targets aims to degrade operational capacity of groups active along the western border.
Officials indicated that intelligence operations will persist to prevent regrouping.
The recovery of foreign-origin communication devices and ammunition highlights external linkages that security agencies continue to monitor.
Future phases of clearance in North Waziristan are likely to expand to adjacent areas based on emerging intelligence.
Success in these operations remains critical for long-term stability, economic revival through tourism and investment, and protection of local populations.
Developments in the coming days will indicate the full scope of the ongoing clearance effort.