Security forces killed a highly wanted terrorist commander along with four other terrorists in a major intelligence-based operation in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan, security sources said on Thursday.

The operation was launched following intelligence reports about the presence of an extremely wanted terrorist leader identified as Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib. According to security sources, the commander was carrying a bounty of Rs3 million due to his alleged involvement in militant activities.

“Khwariji commander Umar alias Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was involved in multiple terrorist attacks targeting security forces and civilians,” security sources said.

Sources further stated that the militant commander had established underground bunkers, tunnels and explosive traps in the area surrounding Bobali Mosque in Spinwam.

“Security forces encircled the terrorists through a coordinated strategy and eliminated them,” the sources added.

Sources said the killing of the wanted terrorist commander marks a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Experts said the elimination of the target would likely help improve security and stability in the area, calling it a major setback for the terrorist network.

“The killing of the militant commander during the intelligence-based operation is a major blow to the terrorists,” analysts said.

They added that operations under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam against militant groups remain ongoing.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement, praised security forces for the successful operation and paid tribute to the security forces, saying the “gruesome end” of the wanted terrorist commander marked a major success for the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

He said Pakistan’s security personnel were demonstrating courage and determination in eliminating militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij. “The brave sons of the soil are eliminating terrorists with bravery and professionalism,” he said.

The development comes two days after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces killed 22 terrorists during a sanitisation operation conducted in K-P’s North Waziristan district.

Read: 22 terrorists killed during sanitisation operation in K-P’s North Waziristan: ISPR

The military’s media wing said that based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists, security forces were conducting an operation in the general area of Shewa since Sunday during which, “after intense exchange of fire, 22 khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij, have been sent to hell in the last 24 hours”.

The ISPR added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from, further saying that they were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

K-P has been battling terrorism since the United States’ ouster from Afghanistan, with terrorists often crossing the border to target police convoys and vehicles, resulting in the deaths of several officials and personnel.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, in a report, said that 85 verified terrorist attacks were recorded in April, down from 146 in March, marking a 42% decline, while fatalities from such attacks fell from 106 to 60, extending a downward trajectory that had begun in the previous month.

The report attributed the improvement to Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign against terrorist groups and Taliban positions between February 26 and March 18, which later gave way to a suspension of hostilities and talks in Urumqi, China.

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq had been launched following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border. Despite the decline in attacks, overall combat-related deaths, including those from militant violence and security operations, stood at 291 in April.

Militants accounted for 224 of these deaths, representing 77% of the total. The remaining casualties included 28 security personnel, 37 civilians and two members of pro-government peace committees.