Pakistan’s security forces have achieved a major success in the large-scale counterterrorism drive “Operation Zarb-e-Haider,” killing at least eight militants, injuring more than nine others, and arresting three terrorists along with seven facilitators in North Waziristan.
According to security sources, the multi-day operation was conducted between September 5 and 8, with the village of Zangotai of Datta Khel, along the Pak-Afghan border, cleared after residents were voluntarily evacuated. On September 7, troops dismantled militant bases established inside mosques and homes. The following day, Special Services Group (SSG) commandos destroyed several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a major militant headquarters, and recovered caches of weapons.
Among the slain militants were several high-profile commanders:
Asad, deputy head of the outlawed TTP’s Asad Mullah faction.
Turabi, an Afghan national and expert in explosives and suicide attacks.
Khalid Farooq, Chamtoo, and Maulvi Mansoor, along with others.
Security officials confirmed that in addition to those killed, 8–10 militants sustained serious injuries during intense clashes. The forces also seized weapons and explosives, including two submachine guns, two hand grenades, four IEDs, communication devices, and other military equipment.
Three militants and four facilitators were arrested during the operation and are currently under interrogation.
The operation, however, came at a cost. Two soldiers embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, underscoring the heavy sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in their mission to rid the region of terrorism and restore peace.
Analysts note that the elimination of senior TTP figures is a severe blow to the group’s operational command, especially in North Waziristan, which has historically been a stronghold for extremist factions. Officials believe that the success of “Operation Zarb-e-Haider” will significantly degrade the militants’ ability to launch attacks in the region.
