Security forces carried out major intelligence-based operations in the Spinwam and Shewa areas of North Waziristan, eliminating at least 30 India-sponsored and Afghan Taliban-backed terrorists, including a high-value militant commander wanted in multiple terrorism cases, according to security sources.
Among those neutralised was terrorist commander Hazrat Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib, described by officials as a highly wanted operational figure with a bounty of Rs3 million on his head.
Sources said the coordinated operations began during the night of May 17 and involved extensive deployment of special forces, heli-borne troops, sniper teams, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and mechanised ground units.
The operations targeted multiple terrorist hideouts, underground bunkers, and operational centers believed to be used for planning and facilitating attacks in the region.
Security sources confirmed that forces recovered the bodies of 13 terrorists during clearance activities, while aerial and ground surveillance identified several additional bodies scattered across difficult terrain. Some terrorists were reportedly swept away in strong flood currents while attempting to flee advancing forces.
During the operation, bomb disposal teams detected and neutralised 11 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), preventing potential attacks and ensuring safer movement for advancing troops.
Large quantities of weapons, ammunition, communication equipment, Afghan SIM cards, and other operational material were also seized from the destroyed hideouts, indicating the scale and sophistication of the militant infrastructure operating in the area.
Officials stated that the operations were launched following actionable intelligence regarding the presence and movement of heavily armed terrorist elements in the region.
The latest action forms part of ongoing clearance and sanitisation efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks entrenched in remote areas of North Waziristan, where militants have repeatedly attempted to regroup and establish operational sanctuaries.
Security analysts note that the use of integrated air-ground coordination, precision surveillance, and special operations capabilities reflects the increasing intensity and technological sophistication of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign in former tribal districts.
Sources added that search and clearance operations remain under way in surrounding areas to ensure the complete elimination of remaining terrorist elements and prevent any regrouping attempts.
