Security forces killed ten militants belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also called Fitna-ul-Khawarij, during separate counterterror operations in northwestern Pakistan this week, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the first incident occurred in South Waziristan district on Thursday, when TTP militants attempted to attack a security forces checkpost. Pakistani forces responded effectively, killing eight militants in the ensuing exchange of fire.

Security forces also killed two militants the same day in the northwestern Dir district, the military said, adding that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who it said were involved in “terrorist activities” in the area. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were continuing to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operations in the two districts, saying in a statement issued by his office that “the nefarious designs of elements spreading terrorism with Indian backing will be thwarted at all costs.”

The ISPR said 12 militants were killed in separate counterterror operations in Balochistan’s Washuk and Mastung districts on August 5 and 6.