Security forces kill 37 terrorists in KP operations, air strikes: govt
- Says three targets including suicide bomber training centre destroyed in border region with Afghanistan
Pakistan's security forces killed 37 terrorists in Kohat, Hangu, and border regions through ground operations and air strikes, targeting groups linked to recent attacks and a suicide bomber training center.
- Intelligence-based operations in Kohat and Hangu.
- Precision air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts.
- Pakistan's counter-terrorism campaign and regional security.
Security forces killed 37 terrorists in intelligence-based ground operations in Kohat and Hangu and subsequent precision air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, the Ministry of Information said on Monday.
In a post on X, the ministry said the operations were launched following multiple recent terrorist attacks against civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the ministry, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in Kohat and Hangu districts on September 20, killing nine terrorists belonging to “Indian proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij”. Several other terrorists were also injured.
The ministry said that, based on credible intelligence, selective strikes were subsequently carried out against terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna Al-Khwarij and its affiliates in the border region with Afghanistan.
It said three targets were destroyed, including a suicide bomber training centre, resulting in the deaths of 28 terrorists, including multiple suicide bombers.
Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted centres and hideouts were also destroyed, according to the statement.
The Ministry of Information said Pakistan had always sought peace and stability in the region but the safety and security of its citizens remained its foremost priority.
It described Afghanistan as a continuing “hub of terrorism” and said the threat to Pakistan emanated from there.
The ministry said the strikes were precisely targeted at terrorist hubs and that maximum precautions were taken to prevent collateral damage.
“Pakistan has always strived for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. However, the safety and security of our citizens remains our foremost priority. It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism. The threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan. In this context, our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs. Maximum precautions were taken and it was ensured that no collateral damage occurs,” it stated.
It said Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework, would continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.