Pakistan has retaliated against a spate of terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with calibrated air strikes on terrorist hideouts and safe havens in the border regions of Afghanistan, alongside ground operations in different districts of the province, killing a total of 37 terrorists.
In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a well-planned intelligence-based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu, and Thal. "This operation was followed by calibrated air strikes against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations responsible for these attacks," the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement on Monday.
On September 20, 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 read.
Moreover, based on credible intelligence, selective targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna Al-Khwarij and its affiliates has also been carried out in the border region with Afghanistan with precision and accuracy. Three targets were destroyed with precision, including a suicide bombers' training centre, killing 28 terrorists alongside multiple suicide bombers. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these centres and hideouts were also destroyed.
The statement from the Ministry of Information said that Pakistan has always strived for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. However, the safety and security of our citizens remain our foremost priority. It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism, adding that the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan.
In this context, Pakistan's action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs, and maximum precautions were taken to ensure that no collateral damage occurred. "Our relentless counter-terrorism campaign Ghazab lil-Haq under the vision 'Azm-e-Istehkam' by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the ministry maintained.
The attacks broke nearly three months of relative calm. Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson of the Taliban-run Afghan government, said the Afghan side "will respond appropriately to this aggression". A Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strikes happened in the Afghan provinces of Paktika and Kunar.