Security forces have killed 37 terrorists in intelligence-based ground operations around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by targeted airstrikes against terrorist hideouts and safe havens in the Pak-Afghan border region, according to the security authorities.
According to the Information Ministry, the operations were carried out following multiple recent terrorist attacks against civilians and security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with authorities saying three terrorist targets were successfully engaged.
The ministry posted on its official X account that on September 20, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in the Kohat and Hangu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As a result of what authorities described as precise and effective engagement, nine terrorists were killed, while several others were injured.
The operation was part of a wider security response in areas around Kohat, Hangu and Thal following recent multiple terrorist incidents targeting innocent people in the province.
Terrorist targets destroyed near Afghan border
Following the ground operation, security forces carried out what authorities described as calibrated airstrikes against terrorist camps, hideouts and safe havens in the border region with Afghanistan. Based on what was described as credible intelligence, three terrorist targets were successfully destroyed with precision.
According to the ministry, the targets included a suicide bombers’ training centre, where 28 terrorists, including multiple suicide bombers, were killed. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted terrorist centres and hideouts were also destroyed, according to the authorities.
The reported airstrikes have also been covered by international news organisations, with Pakistani officials saying 28 militants were killed. Afghan officials, however, have disputed the casualty figures and said civilians were among those killed.
Pakistan says action aimed at terrorist hubs
Authorities said Pakistan has consistently worked for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, but stressed that the safety and security of its citizens remains the country’s foremost priority.
The statement described Afghanistan as a continuing hub of terrorism and said the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghan territory. In this context, the security forces said their action precisely targeted terrorist hubs while maximum precautions were taken to prevent collateral damage.
Counterterrorism campaign to continue
The security authorities said Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign, Ghazab Lil Haq, being conducted under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, will continue at full pace. The stated objective of the campaign is to eliminate the threat of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
The latest operations come amid heightened security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following deadly attacks in Kohat and Hangu. Separately, ISPR reported that eight militants were killed in an exchange of fire in Hangu on September 20, while six security personnel, including two officers, were killed in the clash.
