Security Forces Kill 15 Pakistani Taliban Militants in North Waziristan

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Pakistan’s military said security forces killed 15 suspected militants attempting to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan during an operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the tribal district of North Waziristan, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces detected the movement of a group attempting to infiltrate North Waziristan through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border during the night between August 31 and September 1, 2026.

The military said security forces launched an operation against the suspected militants, which continued for approximately 36 hours. Following an exchange of fire, 15 militants were killed.

After the operation, security forces conducted search and clearance operations in the area, during which a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the militants, according to the ISPR.

The military said the operation also uncovered further evidence regarding efforts to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan and the alleged involvement of elements assisting the militants.

Dead Militants Identified as TTP Members

The Pakistani military described the dead militants as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term Pakistani authorities use for the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The military also alleged that the militants had received support from India. Afghanistan and India had not immediately issued a response to the latest allegations.

Islamabad has previously accused Afghanistan of providing alleged safe havens to TTP militants and India of supporting armed groups operating against Pakistan. Both Kabul and New Delhi deny the allegations.

Increase in Militant Attacks in Pakistan

Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant attacks in recent months, with Pakistani authorities attributing many of them to the TTP.

The TTP is a separate organization from the Afghan Taliban, although the two groups have ideological and historical links.

Islamabad maintains that after the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, several TTP leaders and fighters found refuge in Afghanistan, from where they allegedly plan and carry out attacks in Pakistan.

The Afghan Taliban government rejects these allegations and says it does not allow its territory to be used against another country.

Tensions Continue Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The latest operation in North Waziristan comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the TTP and cross-border militancy.

Pakistan has recently made improved relations with Kabul conditional on verifiable assurances from the Afghan government that Afghan territory will not be allowed to be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

The Afghan Taliban government, meanwhile, has repeatedly called for border and security issues with Pakistan to be resolved through dialogue.

According to the Pakistani military, search and clearance operations continued in the area following the North Waziristan operation, while security forces remained on alert for possible militant movements along the border.