Rawalpindi-Security forces killed 18 militants in two operations in Mastung, Balochistan, and North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, state media reported on Wednesday, citing security sources. According to state media 13 militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan. Forces targeted hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij, the state’s term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups, taking what the sources called decisive action against their movements. The operation was carried out under the government’s Azm-i-Istehkam initiative, they said. Reportedly five militants were killed in operations in the Siapusht and Kili Gishtri areas of Mastung, citing security sources. Weapons and ammunition were recovered, and clearance and search operations were continuing.