Pakistan conducted airstrikes against terrorist camps and hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, killing 28 terrorists, including multiple suicide bombers, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed on Monday.
Three targets, including a training centre for suicide bombers, were destroyed in the strikes while large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the locations were also destroyed.
The strikes were carried out on the basis of credible intelligence and focused on camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al Khawarij [banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan] and its affiliates, the info ministry said.
The airstrikes followed an intelligence-based ground operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Kohat and Hangu districts on September 20.
Nine terrorists were killed during the operation, with several others injured.
The engagement was described as “precise and skilful”, with the authorities reporting that those killed belonged to Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij.
Both operations were linked to multiple recent terrorist incidents in KP and described as part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism campaign.
The info ministry said Pakistan had consistently sought peace and stability in the region but regarded the safety and security of its citizens as its foremost priority. It also described Afghanistan as a hub of terrorism and asserted that the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan.
The ministry further maintained that the strikes were carried out with maximum precautions to prevent civilian casualties and that no collateral damage occurred.
The operations form part of the Ghazab lil Haq counter-terrorism campaign being conducted under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam initiative.
