Security forces have neutralized 45 terrorists during the ongoing Operation Iron Fist in North Waziristan, including a highly wanted terrorist commander carrying a bounty of Rs4 million, according to security sources.
The operation is being conducted in the Palangzai belt of Miranshah, an area long regarded as one of the strongest operational hubs of Fitna al-Khwarij, where terrorist attacks were allegedly planned, coordinated and launched.
Security forces launched the operation on June 2 with the objective of dismantling terrorist infrastructure and clearing the area of terrorist presence.
Sources said that since the start of the operation, 45 terrorists have been neutralized. Among them was Khalid Raza Salar, a senior commander of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group in the Palangzai area. Authorities had placed a bounty of Rs4 million on his head due to his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
During the operation, security forces recovered 25 bodies of terrorists and seized a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment.
Sources further revealed that three major terrorist facilities, identified as the Samiullah Complex, Abu Zar Complex and Imdad Complex, were completely destroyed during the operation. The compounds were allegedly being used as operational, logistical and coordination centers by terrorist elements.
Security officials described the operation as one of the most significant recent actions against the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-linked Fitna al-Khwarij network in North Waziristan. They said the destruction of key infrastructure and the elimination of senior leadership figures have dealt a substantial blow to the group’s operational capabilities.
The operation remains ongoing as security forces continue clearance and search activities in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorist presence and prevent the re-establishment of terrorist sanctuaries.
