NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Five terrorists, including two key commanders, were killed and three others injured after security forces struck two of their hideouts in North Waziristan district, late on Monday night.

Sources said two separate strikes targeted the hideouts of Commander Aryana and Commander Abu Bakr after intelligence reports indicated that important meetings were taking place in Haiderkhel and Hormuz villages of Mirali.

According to the sources, the security forces action killed five militants and injured three others. Among the dead were two key commanders, who were said to be experts in making suicide jackets and IEDs.

During the strike on the centre in Hormuz, Abu Bakr, his brother and one associate were wounded. A vehicle laden with explosives was also destroyed.

A local resident in Haiderkhel, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they heard a loud explosion in the middle of the night. The blast shattered windows of their house, and initially, they thought their home had been attacked. However, after hearing noises outside, they stepped out and saw flames rising from another house in the area.

He added that masked militants repeatedly instructed residents in the area not to leave their homes. He said he saw bodies being placed into vehicles and taken to an unknown location.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2025