ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Information Ministry on Monday confirmed that security forces conducted airstrikes against alleged militant hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, saying the operation killed more than 28 fighters.
In a statement, the ministry described the strikes as “calibrated” and said forces targeted sites allegedly linked to recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the ministry, intelligence guided the selective targeting of camps and hideouts belonging to groups Pakistan officially refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij and its affiliates.
Ministry Says Three Targets Destroyed
The ministry said forces struck three targets, including what it described as a suicide-bomber training centre. It claimed the strikes killed 28 militants as well as multiple suicide bombers and destroyed weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations.
The statement did not provide independent verification of the casualty figures or identify the precise locations of the strikes.
Furthermore, the ministry said security forces had conducted an intelligence-based ground operation on Sunday in Kohat and Hangu districts.
Officials claimed that operation killed nine militants and injured several others. The ministry described the fighters as belonging to a group it alleges receives foreign support.
Pakistan Says Operations Will Continue
Meanwhile, the ministry said Pakistan remained committed to regional peace but considered protecting its citizens its foremost priority.
It accused militant groups operating from Afghanistan of posing a security threat to Pakistan and said the strikes specifically targeted their facilities.
The ministry also asserted that forces took precautions to avoid civilian casualties. The supplied statement did not include independent confirmation of that claim or a response from Afghan authorities.
Finally, Islamabad said its counterterrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework, would continue against militant groups and their alleged external supporters.
