Seven TTP militants killed in security operation in northwest Pakistan

Security forces killed seven militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an intelligence-based operation in northwest Pakistan, the state broadcaster reported on Friday.

According to Radio Pakistan, the operation was carried out in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following intelligence about the presence of militants referred to by the government as "Fitna al-Khawarij".

The Pakistani federal government uses the term to refer to the TTP, a banned militant organisation.

The operation was conducted as part of the government's Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism initiative, Radio Pakistan reported, citing security sources.

Several TTP hideouts were destroyed during the operation, while a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants, the broadcaster said.

The operation came a day after security forces killed nine TTP militants in a separate intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed recurring militant violence and repeated security operations. The region has also been affected by cross-border movement of fighters from Afghanistan.

The TTP has stepped up attacks in Pakistan since its ceasefire agreement with the government ended in November 2022.