37 militants killed in ground and air operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

According to the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, security forces carried out a planned, intelligence-based ground operation in Kohat, Hangu and Thall. It followed several terrorist attacks on innocent people inside Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Limited, targeted air strikes were then carried out against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations.

A statement issued by the ministry said nine Khawarij were killed in the ground operation in Kohat, Hangu and Thall on 20 September.

Terrorist hideouts in the border area adjoining Afghanistan were also targeted. Three hideouts of Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists linked to it were destroyed.

According to the ministry, a training centre for suicide bombers was also destroyed. Twenty-eight terrorists, including several suicide bombers, were killed in the operation. Stocks of weapons and ammunition at the hideouts were also destroyed.

The statement said the threat of terrorism facing Pakistan originates in Afghanistan. It said the protection and security of citizens in Pakistan are the first priority. The terrorist centres were targeted with great precision.

According to the ministry, maximum care was taken during the operation to avoid any loss of life or property. Under Azm-e-Istehkam, the counter-terrorism campaign Ghazab lil-Haq will continue at full pace. Terrorism backed and sponsored from abroad will be eliminated from the country completely.