ISLAMABAD – Security forces have killed 37 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations carried out in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The operations were conducted in Kohat, Hangu and Thall following recent militant attacks in the province. Security forces targeted militant hideouts and suspected safe houses during the operations.
On September 20, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a militant group in the Kohat and Hangu districts. Nine militants affiliated with Fitan al-Khawarij were killed during the engagement.
Security forces also targeted alleged militant camps and hideouts in the border region adjoining Afghanistan on the basis of intelligence reports. Three targets were destroyed, including a facility reportedly used for training suicide bombers.
As many as 28 militants, including several suspected suicide bombers, were killed in the strikes. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted sites was also destroyed.
Security sources said Pakistan has continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, while the protection of civilians remains a priority. They alleged that the presence of militant centres in Afghanistan remains a security concern for Pakistan.
The sources further said that the recent operations specifically targeted militant facilities and that precautionary measures were taken to avoid civilian casualties and damage to unrelated property.
The security forces and law-enforcement agencies are expected to continue counterterrorism operations under the stated framework of the government’s Azm-e-Istehkam initiative and the ongoing Ghazab lil-Haq campaign.
