54 Terrorists Killed in Thwarted Infiltration Attempt in North Waziristan

Pakistani security forces killed 54 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into North Waziristan, marking the highest number ever killed in a single engagement during the country’s anti-terrorism campaign. The military stated that the militants, identified as members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or 'Khwarij,' were acting on the instructions of 'foreign masters' to carry out high-profile attacks inside Pakistan. The operation, which took place over two nights in the Hassan Khel area, resulted in the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. Pakistani authorities suggested the timing of the infiltration attempt coincided with heightened tensions with India, implying external influence behind the attack. Officials emphasized the professionalism and preparedness of the troops in averting a significant security threat. The incident comes amid a broader increase in militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan.