April 29, 2025
In a significant military operation, Pakistani security forces have killed 71 militants over a span of four days in North Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan. The operation, conducted between April 25 and 28, targeted insurgents attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan. The militants, identified by the military as “Khwarij,” a term used for the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, TTP), were allegedly planning high-profile attacks within Pakistan.  
The initial phase of the operation on April 27 resulted in the deaths of 54 militants. An additional 17 militants were killed in a subsequent overnight raid on April 28, bringing the total to 71. Pakistani forces also seized a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives during the operation.  
The military described the insurgents as operating under the direction of foreign handlers, suggesting external support for the infiltration attempt. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the operation as a major success in preempting terrorist attacks. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for their efforts.  
This operation underscores the ongoing security challenges Pakistan faces along its western border, particularly with the resurgence of the TTP, which has found sanctuary in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The situation remains volatile, with continued military operations and cross-border tensions.