Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commends security forces for killing nine militants, including four key commanders, in operations across North Waziristan.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised security forces for their “successful” operations against militants in North Waziristan, in which nine militants, including four key commanders, were killed, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The operations were conducted in the areas of Palangzai, Nadeem Kot and Kot Khazri in North Waziristan, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement Thursday.

Sharif commended the professional capabilities of the officers and personnel involved in the operations, saying the killing of four key commanders among the nine militants demonstrated the effectiveness of the security forces’ action.

The Prime Minister’s Office identified the operation as part of ongoing efforts against what the government refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij.

Security sources separately reported that the four commanders killed in the operations were Khalid Raza, Kamran, Musa and Maftoom. The sources also said weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operations and several militant hideouts were destroyed.

Sharif said successful operations against militants reflected Pakistan’s “unwavering resolve” to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.

He also praised security forces for their continued efforts to counter terrorism and establish lasting peace in Pakistan.

The prime minister said militants would not be allowed to succeed in their efforts to spread instability or pursue their stated objectives.

The latest operations come amid continued security activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in areas affected by militant activity. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly said security forces are conducting intelligence-based operations as part of broader counterterrorism efforts.