Pakistan says 22 terrorists killed in airstrikes on Afghan hideouts

Pakistan on Thursday said it had conducted “well-planned and calibrated” aerial strikes against terrorist hideouts and safe havens at two locations in Afghanistan, killing 22 terrorists.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) said the strikes were carried out as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, “based on credible intelligence about camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, Fitna al Hindustan and their affiliates.”

It said the targets were selected and hit with precision and accuracy, while initial reports indicated that 22 terrorists had been killed. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the hideouts were also destroyed, the ministry said.

The MoIB said Pakistan had always sought peace and stability in the region, but the safety and security of its citizens remained its foremost priority.

“It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan considered the threat to be emanating from Afghanistan.

It said maximum precautions had been taken during the operation to avoid collateral damage.

The ministry added that Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign under Operation Ghazab lil Haq and the Azm-e-Istehkam framework would continue “at full pace” against foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.

Several terrorists killed in KP, Balochistan IBOs

Meanwhile, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO), destroying several hideouts and tunnels used by Khawarij and recovering a large quantity of explosives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, state media Radio Pakistan reported citing security sources.

According to the security sources, several terrorists were reportedly killed during the operation.

On the other hand, six terrorists have been killed in an IBO by security forces in Sanni area of Kachhi district, Balochistan.

According to security sources, the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan were successfully targeted using quadcopters.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the terrorists.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for carrying out successful intelligence-based operations against Khawarij in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the forces once again thwarted the plans of terrorists through their professional capabilities.

In his statement, Naqvi commended the performance of security forces for successfully countering the activities of Khawarij and conducting effective operations in different areas. He said the forces demonstrated professionalism and commitment in the fight against terrorism.

The minister said that security forces eliminated six Khawarij during an intelligence-based operation in the Kachhi district of Balochistan. He noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist activities and maintain security in the region.

The interior minister further stated that security forces also carried out successful action in North Waziristan, where several Khawarij were brought to their end. He appreciated the role of security personnel in conducting operations against terrorist elements and preventing their activities.