Over 30 terrorists killed, including suicide bombers, in operations: MoIB

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has carried out what it described as “calibrated” airstrikes on terrorist hideouts near the Afghanistan border, along with intelligence-based ground operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killing a total of 37 terrorists, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Monday.

The ministry said the operations were launched following a series of recent terrorist attacks in K-P, including the deadly attack at the Police Lines in Kohat.

According to the statement, security forces conducted intelligence-based ground operations in Kohat, Hangu and Thal on September 20. Nine militants were killed during the operations, while several others were injured.

The ministry referred to the militants as members of what it calls “Fitna al-Khawarij” and alleged that they were backed by foreign elements.

Airstrikes target militant hideouts

The Information Ministry said Pakistan also carried out precision airstrikes against alleged militant camps and hideouts in the Afghanistan border region.

Three targets were destroyed, including a training facility allegedly used to prepare suicide bombers, according to the statement.

The ministry said 28 militants, including several suicide bombers, were killed in the strikes. It added that weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations were also destroyed.

Pakistan said the strikes were carried out after intelligence identified the locations of militant groups allegedly responsible for recent attacks inside the country.

The ministry said security forces took precautions to avoid civilian casualties and claimed that no collateral damage occurred.

Kohat attack left 23 dead

The latest operations followed a deadly attack at a mosque inside the Police Lines in Kohat during Friday prayers.

According to Pakistani authorities, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were killed in the attack. Eight militants were later killed during a search and clearance operation.

Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan, led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A day later, six security personnel, including two officers, were killed in an exchange of fire with militants in Hangu. Security forces said eight militants were also killed during the operation.

Pakistan says threat originates from Afghanistan

The Information Ministry said Afghanistan continues to be a major source of concern for Pakistan’s security.

It said Pakistan has consistently called for regional peace and stability but would continue taking action to protect its citizens.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities have rejected accusations that they allow their territory to be used against neighbouring countries.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, recently told the UN Security Council that Islamabad would respond in self-defence to terrorism originating from Afghanistan when necessary.

Pakistan vows to continue counterterrorism campaign

The government said its counterterrorism campaign, known as Ghazab lil Haq, would continue under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework.

Pakistan has previously carried out strikes against militant targets inside Afghanistan following attacks in Pakistan.

A recent UN Security Council report also discussed the activities and alleged cooperation of militant groups operating from Afghanistan, including the Balochistan Liberation Army and TTP.

Pakistan says it will continue targeting militant networks that it believes pose a threat to the country’s security.