Security Forces Neutralise Terrorist Hideouts in North Waziristan
Military operation in Mir Ali uncovers weapons caches hidden within local mosques.
1Operation in Mir Ali
Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Muzak village, located on the outskirts of Mir Ali in North Waziristan. The military successfully neutralised two terrorist hideouts belonging to the banned group Fitna al-Khawarij. Troops sanitised the area to ensure all militant infrastructure was dismantled during this targeted security mission.
2Discovery of Illicit Caches
During the operation, soldiers recovered a significant cache of improvised explosive devices, raw explosive materials, weapons, and ammunition. The military reported that these materials were stored inside mosques. Officials condemned the use of religious sites for storing explosives and operating torture cells, calling it a desecration of worship places.
3State Stance on Militancy
The Inter-Services Public Relations wing stated that the militants have no connection to Islam, rejecting their perverted interpretations of the religion. The state explicitly linked these groups to foreign support, specifically mentioning Indian sponsorship and facilitation by the Afghan Taliban. Authorities maintain that such actions are rejected by the local population.
4Leadership and Official Response
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces, praising their professionalism during the operation. He reiterated that using mosques as centres of violence violates fundamental Islamic teachings. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the incident as distressing and called for intensified operations to restore regional peace.
5Broader Security Context
The region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has faced persistent security challenges and militant attacks for an extended period. Recent data indicates a rise in volatility, with militant activity increasing in former tribal districts. Security forces remain committed to the Azm-i-Istehkam vision to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism throughout the entire country.
6Rising Militant Activity Trends
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the nation experienced 49 militant attacks between October 30 and November 5, 2026. This represents a sharp increase from the 31 attacks recorded in the previous week. These incidents resulted in 25 total fatalities and 21 injuries across the affected provinces.
7Recent Operational History
This operation follows a series of intense engagements throughout October. On October 8, security forces killed nine terrorists in North Waziristan during a separate intelligence-based operation. Just one day prior, 18 militants were eliminated in coordinated engagements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the current counter-terrorism campaign.
8Future Security Outlook
The government continues to prioritise sanitisation operations to clear remaining hideouts in the area. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining a high operational pace to counter the menace of foreign-supported terrorism. Officials suggest that sustained pressure and intelligence-led efforts are essential to achieving long-term stability and restoring peace in the province.
Original article: Dawn — Security Forces Neutralise Terrorist Hideouts in North Waziristan