- IBO conducted on reported presence of India-backed militants: ISPR.
- Says weapons and ammunition also recovered from killed terrorists.
- Sanitisation operation continues to eliminate any other militants.
PESHAWAR: Security forces and law enforcement agencies killed at least 22 militants in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on April 21, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
According to the military’s media wing, the joint operation was launched after reports of the presence of militants described as India-backed elements, also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij.
The ISPR said the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to escape, during which a 10-year-old child was martyred.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the deceased militants, who were reportedly involved in multiple acts of terrorism in the region.
A sanitisation operation is underway to clear the area of any remaining threats, the statement added, saying that counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework will continue to eliminate foreign-backed militancy.
The military said the sacrifice of civilians strengthens resolve to continue anti-terror efforts.
Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following developments in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021.
Security operations have been intensified in response to the surge in violence, with authorities continuing targeted actions against militant groups in affected regions.