16 terrorists killed in KP operations and two Pakistan Army soldiers martyred during intelligence-based engagements in North Waziristan, according to the military’s media wing on November 14, 2026. The operations targeted multiple militant locations.
The engagements took place in Ali Khel, Mir Ali and Datta Khel. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces exchanged intense fire with militants, resulting in casualties on both sides.
How the North Waziristan Operations Unfolded
According to the reported ISPR statement, security forces continued a series of intelligence-based operations against suspected militant positions in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Multiple locations were engaged during the operation.
The military reported that the engagements occurred over the preceding 12 hours. Ali Khel recorded the highest number of militant casualties, while separate encounters took place in Mir Ali and Datta Khel.
Location-Wise Breakdown of Terrorist Casualties
The reported casualty figures show that security forces killed 16 militants across three locations. The largest number was reported in Ali Khel, where 12 militants were killed during an exchange of fire.
The remaining four casualties were reported in Mir Ali and Datta Khel. The following breakdown reflects the figures attributed to the military’s statement in the available reports.
| Operation location | Reported casualties |
|---|---|
Ali Khel | 12 |
| Mir Ali | 2 |
Datta Khel | 2 |
| Total | 16 |
Who Were the Two Army Soldiers Martyred?
The military identified the two soldiers who lost their lives during the engagements as Havildar Asmat Ali and Naik Aftab Ali. Both personnel were described as having fought gallantly before making the ultimate sacrifice.
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Havildar Asmat Ali was 43 years old and belonged to Swabi district. Naik Aftab Ali was 32 and hailed from Mardan district. Their identities and ages were included in the reported military statement.
Their details are summarised below:
Havildar Asmat Ali: 43 years old, Swabi district.
Naik Aftab Ali: 32 years old, Mardan district.
Two Afghan Nationals Reportedly Among Those Killed
According to the reported ISPR account, two Afghan nationals were among the 12 militants killed in Ali Khel. The military described the targeted individuals as members of Fitna al-Khawarij, its terminology for the banned TTP.
The reported statement also accused the militants of involvement in multiple terrorist activities, including attacks resulting in civilian deaths. These allegations are attributable to the military and have not been independently established in the available reporting.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered During Operations
Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the locations where the engagements took place. The military said the recovered material was associated with the militants targeted during the intelligence-based operations.
The recovery of weapons and ammunition formed part of the military’s account of the operation. However, the available reports do not provide a detailed inventory, quantities, weapon types or an independently verified assessment of the recovered material.
What ISPR Said About Further Security Operations
The military indicated that sanitisation operations would continue in the affected areas. These activities aim to identify and eliminate any remaining militants who may still be hiding in the surrounding locations following the reported engagements.
The statement also reaffirmed the continuation of counterterrorism operations by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies. This indicates that the reported encounters form part of a wider security effort rather than an isolated action.
Understanding Pakistan’s Azm-e-Istehkam Campaign
The military linked its ongoing counterterrorism efforts to Azm-e-Istehkam, a national security initiative approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. The campaign aims to strengthen coordinated efforts against terrorism.
The latest North Waziristan engagements were presented as part of this continuing campaign. The military reiterated its determination to target militant networks and prevent further attacks, while emphasising the sacrifices made by security personnel.
What the Latest Operations Mean for Regional Security
The latest engagements come amid continued security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province has experienced repeated militant activity, placing pressure on security personnel responsible for maintaining stability across vulnerable districts and border regions.
Separate operations reported on November 13 resulted in 43 militant deaths in Mir Ali and Orakzai over 48 hours. Those figures relate to a separate series of engagements and should not be combined with the November 14 North Waziristan casualty count.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified
The available reporting consistently identifies the three operation locations, the two martyred soldiers and the reported breakdown of 16 militant deaths. However, the military’s allegations about militant affiliations and foreign sponsorship require careful attribution.
There is also a discrepancy in one report’s headline, which states 14 deaths despite its detailed breakdown adding up to 16. The overall figure of 16 is supported by multiple other reports, but the original military statement remains the primary document to consult.
The operations underline the continuing human cost of Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign, with military personnel losing their lives while security forces pursue suspected militant networks.
