Pakistan military says key militant commander killed in northwestern operation

Pakistan security forces killed two militants, including a key commander, in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu District in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Monday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops conducted the operation on April 19 after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants referred to by the state as “Fitna-al-Khwarij.” Fire was exchanged after forces engaged the location, resulting in the deaths of two suspects, including a suicide bomber and a senior commander identified as Waheedullah alias Muktiar. ISPR said weapons, ammunition and a suicide vest were recovered from the site. It said Waheedullah was a high-value target involved in multiple attacks against both security personnel and civilians. He was also accused of orchestrating a suicide bombing in Bannu on February 21, 2026, which killed Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz. The military described the operation as a significant breakthrough, saying it avenged the earlier attack and prevented a potential major incident. A follow-up clearance and search operation is underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants, ISPR added. Pakistan’s military said counterterrorism operations will continue under the national “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign aimed at eliminating what it calls externally supported militancy.