Security forces killed eight terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security sources said on Thursday.

The operation targeted suspected hideouts used by militants in the area.

According to security sources, the hideouts were completely destroyed during the operation.

A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other equipment was also recovered, according to reports from APP and other Pakistani media outlets.

The sources said the militants belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by Pakistani authorities for members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Security Sources Say Mosque Was Used as Shield

Security sources said the militants attempted to use a mosque as a shield to evade the security forces.

They said troops took the sanctity of the mosque into consideration while conducting the operation.

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According to the sources, the forces carried out the operation with precision to avoid damage to the place of worship.

The reports did not provide further details about the location of the operation or the identities of those killed.

Naqvi Pays Tribute to Security Forces

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces following the operation.

He paid tribute to the troops for killing what he described as eight “Khawarij”.

“KP is on the front line against terrorism, and the security forces are determined to uproot terrorism from its roots,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry.

He also praised the personnel for preventing what he described as the terrorists’ plans.

Militancy Remains a Challenge in KP

The operation comes amid continued militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations in several areas following a series of attacks.

North Waziristan has remained a major focus of counterterrorism operations because of its proximity to the Afghanistan border.

Recent operations in the district have also resulted in the deaths of other militants, according to the military and security officials.

The latest operation adds to ongoing efforts by Pakistani security forces to target militant hideouts and networks in the region.