Pakistani security forces killed 21 militants during a series of intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the past three days, the military's media wing said on Saturday.

The operations targeted militant hideouts in the northwestern region as part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign.

Four Senior Commanders Among Those Killed

Security forces killed four senior militant commanders in North Waziristan during the operations. The military said the commanders belonged to Fitna-al-Khwarij. Authorities wanted them for their involvement in several terrorist attacks. Officials also linked them to the killings of security personnel and civilians.

Fitna-al-Khwarij is the term used by the Pakistani state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Death Toll Reaches 48 in One Week

The military said security forces have killed 48 militants since last week. "A total of 48 khwarij have been killed since last week in the highly skilful and precise operations," the military said in a statement.

Officials described the operations as targeted and intelligence-driven.

Forces Recover Weapons and Ammunition

Security personnel recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants killed during the raids. Authorities believe the recovered material could help investigators uncover more details about militant networks operating in the region.

More Operations Planned

The military said sanitisation operations will continue in the affected areas. Security forces and law enforcement agencies plan to clear the region of any remaining militants. Officials stressed that the counterterrorism campaign will continue without interruption.

Recent Crackdown in North Waziristan

The latest operations follow several recent actions against militants in North Waziristan. In late May, security forces killed 11 militants in the Datta Khel area.

Earlier this month, authorities foiled a suicide attack in Miranshah. Following the incident, officials imposed Section 144 in the area to strengthen security.

Security Situation Worsens

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a sharp decline in the country's security situation in May 2026. The think tank said terrorist violence increased significantly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after two months of improvement.

The latest operations highlight Pakistan's efforts to curb rising militant activity and improve security in troubled regions.