Pakistan carries out 'calibrated' air strikes against terrorist hideouts in border region with Afghanistan: MoIB

Pakistan carries out 'calibrated' air strikes against terrorist hideouts in border region with Afghanistan: MoIB
Source: File Photo

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan launched “calibrated” air strikes on terrorist hideouts close to the Afghan border after a string of deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) said on Monday.

“In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of KP, a well-planned intelligence-based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations responsible for these attacks,'' said MOIB in a statement shared on X.

The statement came after 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred when a blast struck a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers.

Security forces subsequently carried out search and clearance operations in the area, during which eight terrorists were also killed.

The ministry said that 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 skilful engagement, nine khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell, while several were injured.”

“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 markaz, killing twenty-eight terrorists alongside multiple suicide bombers. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these Marakiz and hideouts were also destroyed,” it added.

The ministry said Pakistan had consistently sought to promote peace and stability across the region, while the protection and security of its citizens remained its highest priority.

“It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism. The threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan. In this context, our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs. Maximum precautions were taken, and it was ensured that no collateral damage occurred,” the MoIB said.

The ministry added, “Our relentless Counter Terrorism campaign Ghazab lil Haq under 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 air strikes came a day after six security personnel, including two officers, were martyred during an exchange of fire between terrorists and a security forces convoy in Hangu district of KP on Sunday.
Eight terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij were also killed in the exchange of fire.