16 militants killed, two soldiers martyred in North Waziristan operations

Security forces killed 16 militants, including two Afghan nationals, during an IBO in North Waziristan.

According to ISPR, security forces engaged multiple militant hideouts in Ali Khel, Mir Ali, Datta Khel and surrounding areas of KP over the past 12 hours.

The military said 12 militants, including two Afghan nationals, were killed in Ali Khel, while two others each were eliminated in Mir Ali and Datta Khel.

The ISPR identified the two soldiers killed during the engagements as Havildar Asmat Ali, 43, from Swabi, and Naik Aftab Ali, 32, from Mardan. Both soldiers fought courageously before sacrificing their lives, it added.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants, whom the military accused of involvement in multiple terrorist activities, including attacks on civilians.

The military said counterterrorism operations would continue under Azm-e-Istehkam to combat militant networks and improve security across the country.