Pakistani security forces have uncovered two alleged militant hideouts inside mosques in North Waziristan during an intelligence-based operation, recovering a large quantity of explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapons and ammunition, according to a security statement.
The operation was conducted in Muzak village, on the southern outskirts of Mir Ali, following intelligence reports about the presence of suspected militants affiliated with Fitna Al Khwarij, a designation used by Pakistani authorities for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to the statement, militants had established hideouts inside two mosques, allegedly using the religious premises to store explosive materials and operate torture cells.
Security personnel recovered prepared IEDs, bomb-making materials, firearms and ammunition during searches of the locations.
The statement condemned the alleged use of places of worship for militant activities, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of mosques and fundamental Islamic teachings.
It also accused the militants of receiving support from India and the Afghan Taliban. These allegations were made by Pakistani security authorities and were not independently substantiated in the statement.
Officials said security forces were continuing clearance operations in the surrounding area to identify and dismantle any remaining militant hideouts.
The operation forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan.
Security authorities reiterated their commitment to continuing intelligence-based operations against militant networks and their infrastructure across the country.
The statement did not provide details of any arrests or militant casualties during the operation.