Pakistan conducts airstrikes against terrorist camps, hideouts in border region with Afghanistan

Nine terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based ground operation in Kohat and Hangu districts, while 28 more were killed in "calibrated" airstrikes on terrorist camps and hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the operation was carried out on September 20, Sunday, following multiple recent terrorist incidents targeting civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The ministry said that security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in Kohat and Hangu districts. “As a result of precise and skillful engagement, nine khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were sent to hell, while several were injured,” the statement said.

It said credible intelligence had also led to “selective targeting” of terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna Al Khwarij and its affiliates in the border region with Afghanistan. “Three targets were destroyed with precision, including a suicide bombers’ training markaz, killing 28 terrorists alongside multiple suicide bombers,” the ministry said.

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“Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these marakiz and hideouts were also destroyed,” it added.

The ministry said Pakistan had “always strived for the maintenance of 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 threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan,” the statement said.

“In this context, our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs,” it added, saying that maximum precautions had been taken to ensure that there was no collateral damage.