Pakistan, June 13 -- Pakistan's security forces have killed 21 militants during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted over the past 72 hours in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the military's media wing.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations said security forces targeted multiple militant hideouts in and around Miranshah following intelligence reports regarding the presence of armed fighters in the area.

The military said intense exchanges of fire took place during the operations, resulting in the deaths of 21 militants. Among those killed were four key commanders identified as Khalid Raza alias Salar, Muftoon, Musa and Imran alias Ayan.

According to the ISPR, t...